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Chapter 6
Chapter 6
Title: James Rachels The debate over Utilitarianism
Quote: “Man does not strive after happiness, only the Englishman does that”
Expectation: “I expect to learn more about Utilitarianism of James Rachels”
Book Review:
This chapter discussed about the debate over Utilitarianism by James Rachel. He said that the
classical utilitarianism can be summarized into three schemes. First one is the consequences in judging
the actions that are right and wrong. The second is the measuring the amount of happiness or
unhappiness of each people. According to the meaning of hedonism, it is the same as happiness that is
equal to pleasure minus pain. Lastly, the calculation of happiness or unhappiness, it is because each
person’s wellbeing is equally essential.
Happiness is what people want for their lives. It is the only thing that is ultimately good for every
person and it is known as hedonism. Generally, happiness is a kind of broad overall satisfaction and
goodness in life. Many fundamentally good things that are desirable like artistry, knowledge, love and
pleasure. They believe that basically happiness is the one ultimate goal of everyone.
Contemporary utilitarianism speaks of interest satisfaction putting the horse before. The best is
when you know the preference of satisfaction of all affected persons. This satisfaction brings pleasure.
There are also three arguments in utilitarianism, such as, justice, rights and promise. Justice is an
argument that only someone has a witness against the innocent person and it is called fairness. While
rights, every person has their own rights, like right to speak, right to fight for their beliefs, etc. These
rights can make them satisfied in everything they want to pursue. Finally, the promise, in every promise
there is an obligation to another party and it is not easy to escape from it. It will also raise a satisfaction
on both parties when an obligation has been reached.
What I have learned: I have learned how important to be fair to each other. Happiness is important for
each and every one of us.
Integrity Questions:
Who is James Rachels?
What is the debate over Utilitarianism?
How important are justice, rights, and promises?
Does happiness matter? In what way?
Review Questions:
1. Rachels says that classical utilitarianism can be summed in this proposition. What are they?
The first propositions are the consequences on judging what is right or wrong. Certainly, the
best consequences are the right actions and the least consequences are the wrong ones.
Secondly, measuring the happiness and unhappiness are only thing that matters in assessing
consequences. Finally, the calculation of happiness or unhappiness are both necessary because
everyone’s wellbeing is equally important.
2. Explain the problem with hedonism. How do defenders utilitarianism respond to this problem?
The problem with hedonism is the thought that only happiness is the one eventual good for
everybody. One defender says that her happiness ended when she was injured in an accident
and for that reason she cannot play piano anymore. As a response, we cannot stay away in any
tragedies just to make the pianist happy.
3. What are the objections about justice, rights and promises?
The argument in justice is not every tragedy its witness to have fairness. In rights, everybody has
their own rights to be happy. Promise has an obligation to everyone.
4. Distinguish between rule and act utilitarianism. How does rule‐utilitarianism reply to this
objection?
The act is old version while the rule is the newer version of utilitarianism.
5. What is the third line of defense?
The third line of defense is a small group of present‐day utilitarian, and they often have different
insights in anti‐utilitarian arguments.
Discussion Questions:
1. Smart’s defense of utilitarianism is to reject common moral beliefs when they conflict with
utilitarianism. Is this acceptable to you or not? Explain your answer.
No, because I’m not a utilitarian.
2. A utilitarian is supposed to give moral consideration to all concerned. Who must be considered?
What about nonhuman animals? How about lakes and streams?
Everybody should be aware of their surrounding especially those animals and natures.
3. Rachels claims that merit should be given moral consideration independent of utility. Do you
agree?
Yes, I agree because I believe that merit should be given importance as a justice.