Active learning ideas
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.
Activity 01
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.
Is pleasure the only intrinsic good?
Activity 02
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.
How does rule utilitarianism solve the problems of act utilitarianism?
Activity 03
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.
Does utilitarianism adequately protect individual rights?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Students often think Utilitarianism is just 'doing what makes you happy'.
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.
Students think Rule Utilitarianism is the same as Kantian ethics.
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.
Methods used in this brief
Kantian Deontological Ethics
An analysis of Kant's categorical imperative and the concept of duty. Students will apply the universalisability and humanity formulations.
8 methodologies
Aristotelian Virtue Ethics
Students investigate Aristotle's concept of eudaimonia and the doctrine of the mean. They will assess the role of character and practical wisdom in ethics.
8 methodologies