Scribd
Upload
259 views1 page

The Debate Over Utilitarianism by James Rachels

Classical utilitarianism can be summarized as: 1) Actions are judged based solely on their consequences 2) The only thing that matters in assessing consequences is the amount of happiness or unhappiness caused 3) In calculating happiness or unhappiness, no one person's welfare is more important than another's

Uploaded by

Jessica Gonzaga
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
259 views1 page

The Debate Over Utilitarianism by James Rachels

Classical utilitarianism can be summarized as: 1) Actions are judged based solely on their consequences 2) The only thing that matters in assessing consequences is the amount of happiness or unhappiness caused 3) In calculating happiness or unhappiness, no one person's welfare is more important than another's

Uploaded by

Jessica Gonzaga
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

James Rachels 1. Rachels says that classical utilitarianism can be summed up in three propositions. What are they?

Actions are judged right or wrong solely in virtue of their consequences. In assessing consequences, the only thing that matters is the amount of happiness or unhappiness that caused. In calculating happiness or unhappiness that will be caused, no ones happiness is to be counted as more important than anyone else.

2. Explain the problem with hedonism. How do defenders of utilitarianism respond to this problem? Hedonism is the belief of a something that if it is good then it is happiness but it misunderstands the meaning of happiness because happiness is not something that is recognized as good and sought for its means of bringing it about. 3. What are the objections about justice, rights and promises? The objection for justice is giving fair judgment to people. The objection for rights is when rights are not valued or be thrown aside. Objections on promise is when people dont break their promises and given importance. 4. Distinguish between rule- and act- utilitarianism. How does rule- utilitarianism reply to the objections? Rule Utilitarianism is actions conform in to the rules that will lead to greater good. Act Utilitarianism states that the right action is one that will give happiness to a person. 1. What is the third line of defense? Act of Utilitarianism is the third line of defense.

You might also like