On Consequentialism

Overview

In lecture three, we explore consequentialist ethics, focusing on utilitarianism as developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. We examine how actions are judged by their outcomes rather than intentions or character, considering key concepts like the principle of utility, the felicific calculus, interpersonal comparisons, and Mill’s distinction between higher and lower pleasures. Dr. Bonevac also addresses practical challenges and objections—such as conflicts with rights and calculation difficulties—while highlighting utilitarianism’s systematic, consequence-based approach to resolving moral dilemmas.