Philosophy · Year 12 · Moral Philosophy: Normative Ethical Theories · 3.º Período

Utilitarianism

Students explore act, rule, and preference utilitarianism. They will evaluate the hedonistic calculus and the principle of utility.

TL;DR:Utilitarianism is the first major normative theory students encounter in the Moral Philosophy module. It is a teleological, hedonistic theory that defines 'good' as the maximization of pleasure and the minimization of pain. Students study Bentham's Act Utilitarianism and his 'Hedonistic Calculus', before moving to Mill's Rule Utilitarianism and his distinction between higher and lower pleasures.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• AQA 7172: Moral Philosophy 3.2.1.1

About This Topic

Utilitarianism is the first major normative theory students encounter in the Moral Philosophy module. It is a teleological, hedonistic theory that defines 'good' as the maximization of pleasure and the minimization of pain. Students study Bentham's Act Utilitarianism and his 'Hedonistic Calculus', before moving to Mill's Rule Utilitarianism and his distinction between higher and lower pleasures.

This topic is a staple of AQA Philosophy, requiring students to apply the 'Greatest Happiness Principle' to complex moral dilemmas. It also introduces Preference Utilitarianism (Singer), which focuses on satisfying desires rather than just pleasure. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the patterns of the Hedonistic Calculus through real-world case studies.

Key Questions

1. Is pleasure the only intrinsic good?
2. How does rule utilitarianism solve the problems of act utilitarianism?
3. Does utilitarianism adequately protect individual rights?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Students often think Utilitarianism is just 'doing what makes you happy'.

What to Teach Instead

It is about the *greatest* happiness for the *greatest number*. Active learning scenarios that force students to sacrifice their own pleasure for the group help clarify the 'impartial' nature of the theory.

Common Misconception

Students think Rule Utilitarianism is the same as Kantian ethics.

What to Teach Instead

While both use rules, Rule Utilitarians choose rules based on their *consequences* (utility), not on pure reason. Peer-led comparison charts help students see that for Mill, the rule is just a 'shortcut' to maximize happiness.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game

The Hedonistic Calculus

Students are given a controversial scenario (e.g., building a new motorway through a village). They must use Bentham's 7 criteria (intensity, duration, etc.) to 'score' the action and decide if it should go ahead.

35 min·Small Groups

Formal Debate

Higher vs Lower Pleasures

Students are given a list of activities (reading Shakespeare, eating pizza, watching reality TV, playing chess). They must argue which are 'higher' pleasures and whether Mill is being 'elitist' in his distinction.

25 min·Whole Class

Think-Pair-Share

The Problem of Rights

Students consider the 'Trolley Problem' or the 'Organ Donor' case. They discuss whether it is ever right to kill one innocent person to save five, highlighting the conflict between utility and individual rights.

20 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Act and Rule Utilitarianism?

Act Utilitarianism evaluates every single action based on its specific consequences. Rule Utilitarianism argues we should follow general rules (like 'don't lie') because following those rules generally leads to the greatest happiness over time.

What are Mill's 'higher and lower' pleasures?

Mill argued that pleasures of the mind (intellectual, aesthetic, moral) are of a higher quality than simple physical pleasures (eating, sleeping). He famously said it is 'better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied'.

How can active learning help students understand Utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism is all about calculation and trade-offs. By using simulations like 'The Lifeboat' or 'Budget Allocation', students have to actually do the math of human suffering and happiness. This makes the abstract 'Principle of Utility' feel like a practical, and often difficult, tool for decision-making.

What is the 'tyranny of the majority'?

This is a criticism of Utilitarianism which suggests that if the majority of people gain pleasure from the suffering of a minority (e.g., public executions), the theory would have to say it is morally right. This highlights the theory's lack of absolute individual rights.