Objectives and Readings

A normative deontic theory is consequentialist if it rates the morality/immorality of an act on the basis of the act's consequences. Utilitarianism is the paradigm consequentialist theory.

OPTIONAL: View online introductory lecture on utilitarianism by Professor Lawrence Hinman of the University of San Diego.

After studying this material, you should be able to:

1. Explain the difference between a deontic and an aretaic normative ethical theory.

2. Explain the difference between consequentialism and non-consequentialism.

3. Explain act-utilitarianism and explain arguments against it.

4. Explain the difference between act-utilitarianism and rule-utilitarianism.

You will write about utilitarianism for your final paper. The final paper is the final exam.