Normative Ethical Theories
Bentham's Hedonistic Act Utilitarianism
Kant's Deontological Ethics
Non-Hedonistic Utilitarianism
Mill's Hedonistic Rule Utilitarianism
Formulated by Jeremy Bentham
Formulated by John Stuart Mill
Preference Utilitarianism
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Adds Secondary Principles onto Bentham's Utility Principle
Ideal Utilitarianism
Consequentialist theory - the morality of an action is based on the consequences it produces
Hedonistic theory - based on the idea that we pursue pleasure over pain
Principle of Utility
Hedonic Calculus is used to measure utility
Actions should be measured based on the utility (usefulness) that they have in producing pleasure / happiness
'We should act always so as to produce the greatest good for the greatest number'
Psychological Hedonism
Supports Utilitarianism
The idea that human beings naturally pursue pleasure & avoid pain - human behaviour is motivated by this principle
Secondary Principles
Moral rules that have been shown by experience to maximise happiness
Examples: do not lie, do not steal, do not murder
These principles should be used to avoid problems of act utilitarianism
Following (or not following) moral rules makes an action good / bad
Formulated by Richard Hare
An action should be judged by the extent to which it conforms to the preferences of all those affected by the action (& its consequences)