Utilitarianism and Bentham's Felicific Calculus

The video explains utilitarianism, an ethical theory founded by Jeremy Bentham and popularized by John Stuart Mill. It is based on the principle of utility, aiming to maximize happiness and minimize pain for the greatest number of people. The video discusses the moral implications of utilitarianism, using Robin Hood as an example, and introduces Bentham's felicific calculus, a method to measure the pleasure and pain produced by actions. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to engage with the channel.

Who is credited with founding the ethical theory of utilitarianism?

• Jeremy Bentham

• Immanuel Kant

• John Stuart Mill

• Aristotle

What is the primary aim of utilitarianism?

• To maximize individual wealth

• To maximize utility or happiness for the greatest number

• To follow strict moral rules

• To minimize government intervention

According to utilitarianism, what makes an action morally good?

• If it produces the greatest happiness for the majority

• If it is done with honest intentions

• If it follows religious teachings

• If it benefits the individual performing the action

How does utilitarianism view Robin Hood's actions?

• Morally wrong because they involve theft

• Morally good because they benefit the majority

• Neutral because they have no impact

• Morally wrong because they violate property rights

What does Jeremy Bentham equate happiness with?

• The absence of conflict

• The presence of power

• The absence of pain

• The presence of wealth

What is the purpose of Bentham's felicific calculus?

• To assess the historical significance of an action

• To measure the degree of happiness or pleasure an action may produce

• To calculate financial profit

• To determine the legality of an action

Which of the following is NOT a component of the felicific calculus?

• Popularity

• Intensity

• Certainty

• Duration

What does a positive balance in the felicific calculus indicate?

• The action is legally permissible

• The action is morally bad

• The action is morally good

• The action is morally neutral

If an action results in more pain than pleasure, how is it viewed according to Bentham?

• Morally good

• Morally neutral

• Morally bad

• Legally acceptable

In Bentham's example, what is the balance if an action produces 10 pleasures and 5 pains?

• 15 in favor of pleasure

• 5 in favor of pain

• 0, indicating neutrality

• 5 in favor of pleasure