Evaluating Bentham

OBJ: To evaluate Act Utilitarianism. To understand Mill's improvements to the theory.

Strengths of Act Utilitarianism:

• Democratic
• Focusses on Happiness
• Common sense system
• Flexible system
• Egalitarian
• No one persons pleasure is more valued more than any other
• It includes a decision making procedure
• Encourages others to be kind to one another
• Recognises the importance of consequence.

Weaknesses of Act Utilitarianism:

• Can justify acts that we consider intrinsically wrong (Gang Rape, the holocaust)
• Doesn't consider the intention behind the action
• Doesn't consider pleasure through pain (Masochism & Sadism)
• Ii isn't very practical as the Hedonic Calculus is hard to apply
• Implies all forms of happiness are equal
• Its not always possible to know the consequences of an action
• There are no intrinsic values.