PHIL 2010 Lecture Notes - Lecture 11: Consequentialism, Felicific Calculus
Document Summary
The consequentialism theory takes consequences to be the only thing relevant to making moral decisions. The outcome is what is most important concerning this theory. Moral decisions can be made based off what the best outcome will be. Utilitarianism is the creed that defines good in terms of utility (happiness and pleasure). Actions that are wrong promote unhappiness or pain. The greatest happiness principle (ghp) is also known as the principle of utility. Psychological hedonism: pleasure and freedom from pain are the only things desirable as ends, for humans or any other animals. or any other animals is significant because it shows the similarities that we must other creatures on earth. Human beings are species, but we do have great differences that distinguishes us from other animals. Hedon: the smallest unit of pleasure distinguishable from complete indifference. Different people will experience different types of pleasures.
