Utilitarianism

I won’t spam you or share your email address with anyone.

This is a video lecture based on chapter 1 of Jeremy Bentham's Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (1789).
I explain how we can understand Bentham's moral theory, Utilitarianism, as being composed of three sub-theories: Hedonism, Aggregation, and Consequentialism.

[jpmaina]

So to summarize, Utilitarianism answers the following questions in the following manner:
1. What should we do - That with the best outcome (Consequentialism).
2. What is the best outcome - That whose aggregate of good - bad for all individuals in a community/society is greatest (Aggregation).
3. What is good or bad for an individual - Good = pleasure as and end and Bad = Pain as an end (Hedonism).

You're one of the greatest teachers I've ever met.

[michaelk]

Hi, I'm a teacher myself (working with ESL students), and your style is exactly the kind of thing I try to emulate. Your pronunciation, intonation, and strategically placed pauses make things so clear, and the way you break everything down into mentally digestible pieces, as well as maintaining links and progressions between ideas, is just perfect and easy to follow. Bravo! Respect! In fact, I'm going to recommend your videos to some of my students for listening practice, since your pacing and enunciation are so good. 👍

[adamek]

Thank you professor, for giving me the right reasons and philosophical framework to just stop and do the drugs. I feel my life needed this.

[jackmcmahon]

So many professors forget that they are also TEACHERS. This man does not. Thank you.

[steeveshaji]

you're really good at explaining. I'm a total rookie to philosophy and I find it very easy to learn new ideas from you. So thank you and keep making more :)

[mariellascerri]

You're the coolest professor I've ever come across. A senior student reading law and your videos are pure pleasure

[GiornoLovesDeathGrips]

I'm 16 and you're really good at explaining this. I'm lonely and it's a great way to spend my lunches

[MikeWengelski]

Finally found enough evidence to explain this "writing backwards" action. The video is just flipped horizontally after being recorded.

In the video:
you write left-handed
you're incredibly fluent at writing backwards
you wear a ring on your right ring finger
your shirt buttons are on the traditionally women's side

Seems much more likely that:
the video is mirrored horizontally
you write right-handed
you wear a wedding ring on the traditional finger of the left hand
you're wearing a men's shirt

I don't really know what all that gets us, but I thought it was worth the effort required.

[samueloconner]

I love the idea of being morally required to do drugs, amazing way of explaining consequentialism, certainly not the example i would've thought of

[ChristyD_RN]

These videos are so helpful! I’m taking a comprehensive ethics exam in a few weeks. Basically, testing out without taking the class. It is all making sense now.

[a-moralphilosopher]

Great introduction to utlitarianism! Really enjoyed it.

[dggeers]

Bentham designed prisons on utilitarian pricnciples. If you ever find yourself in Tasmania I reccommend visiting Port Arthur where you can see an example of one of his prisons. You should also visit the memorial to the 35 peolple who lost their lives in the 1998 massacre. Powerful stuff...

[naayou]

By far this is the best explanation that ties hedonism, aggregation, consequentialism, and utilitarianism. Thanks for posting.

[kanumurisivasatish]

I am from India and thank you Sir for your help in understanding the Subject

[Shunpall]

Just marvelous Jeff! The best lecture on the "syllogism" of utilitarian theory.. Thank you so much!

[problemswithmark]

For utilitarianism to be acceptable, it would also rely on three contributing factor's. Situation - Sonario - circumstances.

[akashdobber]

WHATEVER YOU DO DONT STOP MAKING VIDEOS!!!!

[pandyadharmajit]

Good teaching style, anyone can easily understand it.

[collins-image]

He could make the process of changing a tyre on a car sound interesting...brilliant

[refkifernanda]

this is the most clear explanation i can found in the internet so far