Although Jeremy Bentham’s act utilitarianism is similar to the amended rule utilitarianism, there are differences between the two theories. These differences will be examined in this essay. Act utilitarianism is a teleological theory. People who believe in this theory say that the goodness of an act is measured through the consequences of that act, and that each moral dilemma/situation is different. For example, if a person was asked a question, and lying would provide greater pleasure/happiness than answering the question truthfully, they would say it would be okay to lie.
For me, I like to “keep it simple stupid.’ What I mean by “keeping it simple stupid” is that it is really the simple things in life that make me happy such as waking up every day and being able to walk, breathe, see, and hear. For me happiness is defined not by what expensive things you have, but what truly makes you happy. My friends make me happy, my family makes me happy, shelter, and food while also completing simple goals, make me happy. Webster’s Dictionary defines happiness as: obsolete: good fortune: prosperity a: a state of well-being and contentment: joy b: a pleasurable or satisfying experience. I have a mantra that I like to wake up every day and ask myself “Why am I happy today?” Today I asked myself the same question and answered back with: I am happy because I am awake, and my back doesn’t hurt.
Reading to my favorite book is an easy way to brighten up my day. In a tough situation, I would use belly dancing because it’s the most amazing way to relieve stress. I like the basketball technique more than using the reading a book technique, but not always the greatest thing to get up and go outside. Belly dancing can be done in any situation and can be used for
It is actually an effective way of burning those extra calories in your body. It can help you minimize stress levels. It is also a good opportunity to interact with your kids. Playing a game with them or simply cheering them on is one of the best ways you can share time and interact with them. Playing air hockey can help you experience real
Act utilitarianism is the theory where the principle of utility is applied only to every individual situation. In act utilitarianism there are no moral rules except that the principle of the greatest happiness for the greatest number is applied in each situation. Act utilitarianism was devised by Jeremy Bentham which he believed human beings were motivated by pleasure and pain and therefore they may do anything which brings out 'the greatest good for the greatest number.' He believed people must measure their actions by using the hedonic calculus as it weighs up the pain and pleasure generated by the available moral actions to find the best possible outcome. In this type of utilitarianism the pleasure is measured in quantity.
The Utility gained from each act and what would be accepted by society is calculated by what Bentham called the Hedonic Calculus. This values a score of what people think of certain acts (for example 10 for pleasurable and 1 for not pleasurable) and therefore lets society know which are the more worthwhile pursuits. Bentham’s argument is that we should be free to choose the pleasure maximising outcome, as long as we are not having negative effects on other people’s pleasure. On the other hand Mill disagreed with Betham’s Act Utilitarianism and put forward the notion of Rule Utilitarianism. This argued that the Hedonic Calculus was an absurd way of explaining rational choice and therefore it needed rules.
Closely observed, their theories could be manipulated to support immoral behavior, or combined to present a more objective basis for determining morality. Kant believed that morality of an action is good when it is based on good intentions, regardless of the outcome. Mill, on the other hand, believed that because we cannot be sure of a person’s intentions, morality can only be measured in the consequences of the action. Based on these contradicting theories, I will attempt to note theoretical similarities between Kant and Mill. Categorical Imperative vs. Utility Kant’s categorical imperative gives precedence to morality over happiness.
Classical Liberals were largely influenced by Jeremy Bentham and his idea of utilitarianism, they argue that individuals act in a way that will gain them ultimate pleasure and happiness, of which they alone judge the quality and are free from any paternal authority. Individuals were to make decisions themselves based on what gave them more or less utility. John Stuart Mill also shared the belief that no authority has the right to claim they know more about the individual’s interests. This leads to the belief in a minimal state that should only make decisions based on the greatest happiness. Modern Liberals, however, see the individual as somebody who is driven by self-development as opposed to an egoistic being.
Just being in a quiet are, trying to “stretch it all out” and get rid of all the stress I have felt great. It was a great technique that was very relaxing, and especially easy. When I really just want to take out my anger or be alone, long boarding is the best medicine. Instead of getting mad at my parents or wanting to punch something, going for a joy ride feels amazing. It helps me stay fit and helps release the anger.
I also scored high in Interpersonal and Logical Intelligence. People scoring high in these intelligences like to mix with other people, are good at sharing, good at mathematics and number activities, and good at solving problems. I feel the interpersonal intelligence describes me well, as I do enjoy being with and around people, but I also enjoy quiet personal time as well. Now the logical intelligence I don’t feel describes me well. I do not feel I am good at mathematics, but I do enjoy trying to solve problems as long as there are no numbers involved.