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13 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Who created Preference Utilitarianism? |
Peter Singer. |
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How does this theory judge morality? How does this still link back to the views of Utilitarianism in general? |
Based off of the preferences of those involved.
It still tries to achieve "the greatest good for the greatest number", so therefore preferences of both sides must be taken into account. |
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What did Singer famously say about preferences? |
"Our preferences cannot count any more than the preferences of others." |
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What is an impartial spectator? |
It's someone who is able to sympathise with each side of the situation without showing bias. |
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How does Singer's approach differ from Bentham and Mill's? |
Preference Utilitarianism isn't about maximising pleasure and minimising pain, but about acting on the best interests of everyone. |
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Give an example of a situation where the actions of Act and Rule Utilitarianism may differ from Preference Utilitarianism's. |
If someone wanted to be voluntary euthanised.
Rule - Could cause a slippery slope as it would have to be accepted in every situation. May be no pleasure involved, more pain.
Act - More pain than pleasure is created, there may even be no pleasure at all.
Preference - It is in the best interests of the patient to be euthanised - may also be in the best interests of the family. |
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What issue from Bentham and Mill's theories did Singer's form of Utilitarianism address? |
The minorities losing out. Singer aimed to take into account minorities by getting people to take on the role of the impartial spectator. |
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Regarding equality, why is this form of Utilitarianism rated above Bentham and Mill's? |
Everyone's preferences are regarded equally, whereas in the other forms of Utilitarianism, the minorities have no say at all. |
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What key thing does Singer's approach do differently from Bentham and Mill's? |
Aims to minimise suffering rather than maximise pain. |
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Can immoral acts be condoned? |
Yes, if the majority of people have a harmful or immoral preference. |
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Is everyone able to voice their preferences? What problems could arise because of this? |
No, disabled people and babies are unable to for example. The approach becomes unequal as not everyone's preferences are taken into account. |
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What can be difficult with using preferences rather than simple pleasure against pain? |
Peoples preferences may change over time, or they may vary a lot. |
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Are animals seen as equal to humans? |
Yes, animal's preferences are included to avoid their exploitation. Just because they are unable to voice their preferences, it does not mean that we should be placed any higher than them. |
