Key Terms
Ethics
The philosophical study of morality; systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior.
Core idea
Right action flows from good character. Morality is not primarily about rules or outcomes; it is about who you are and w
Two major consequentialist theories covered
Mohism and Utilitarianism.
Context
Warring States period in ancient China (ca. 475-221 BCE); widespread warfare, social unrest, suffering.
Founder
Mozi (Mo Di), ca. 430 BCE.
Founders
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) first articulated the principle; John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) refined it.
Principle of utility
Actions are right in proportion as they promote happiness.
Greatest happiness principle
Actions are right when they produce the most happiness for the most people.
Impartiality is required
Agents must assess consequences without bias toward themselves, friends, or affiliated groups.
Bentham
Pleasures differ only quantitatively (more or less). Straightforward calculation.
Mill
Pleasures differ both quantitatively AND qualitatively. After his nervous breakdown, Mill concluded Bentham's account wa
Higher pleasures
Pleasures associated with higher cognitive faculties (Mill).
Lower pleasures
Basic sensory pleasures (Mill).
Act utilitarianism
Apply greatest happiness principle case by case.
Rule utilitarianism
Use greatest happiness principle to establish rules; follow those rules.