Library Reference: N/A

Amazon Reference: http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Moral-Problems-James-White/dp/0534584306/

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Learning Expectations:

Review:

What I’ve learned:

Integrative Questions:

Review Questions:

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 one’s 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 will be called, 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. Instead, happiness is a response as goods, independently and in their own right.
   • Defenders of utilitarianism suggest that in order to over ride Hedonism, we must utilize our resources and other good things in order for us to be happy.
3. What are the objections about justice, rights and promises?
   • The objection for justice is a fair judgment. The objection for rights is not valued especially to racisms on a community, promises are be likely to be broken in promising a fair judgment, and rights are valued.
4. Distinguish between rule- and act- utilitarianism. How does rule- utilitarianism reply to the objections?
   • Rule Utilitarianism, the new version of Utilitarianism modifies the original theory, Act utilitarianism, so that individual actions will no longer be judged by Principle of Utility. Instead, rules will be established by reference to the rules.
   • 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.
5. What is the third line of defense?
   • Act Utilitarianism

Discussion Questions:

1. Smart’s defense of utilitarianism is to reject common moral beliefs when they conflict with utilitarianism. Is this acceptable to you or not? Explain your answer.
   • No. Human beings mostly follow the Divine Right Theory. Morevover, people have convictions whether what they are doing is good or wrong.
2. A utilitarian is supposed to give moral consideration to all concerned. Who must be considered? What about nonhuman animals? How about lakes and streams?
   • People who are 'illiterate' when it comes to morality should be considered first.
3. 3. Rachels claims that merit should be given moral consideration independent of utility. Do you agree?
   • Yes.