QuestionMay 8, 2025

(6) Bentham gave us an interesting "calculus of felicity". Briefly describe this with an example: ANSWER: 35

(6) Bentham gave us an interesting "calculus of felicity". Briefly describe this with an example: ANSWER: 35
(6) Bentham gave us an interesting "calculus of
felicity". Briefly describe this with an example:
ANSWER:
35

Solution
4.3(290 votes)

Answer

Bentham's calculus of felicity evaluates actions using seven criteria to measure happiness; for example, donating to charity scores high across these dimensions. Explanation 1. Define Bentham's "calculus of felicity" Bentham's calculus of felicity, or hedonic calculus, is a method to quantify happiness by evaluating actions based on seven criteria: intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent. 2. Provide an example Example: Deciding whether to donate to charity. Evaluate the action: - **Intensity**: Strong positive feelings from helping others. - **Duration**: Long-lasting impact on beneficiaries. - **Certainty**: High likelihood of improving lives. - **Propinquity**: Immediate satisfaction from donating. - **Fecundity**: Leads to further positive outcomes (e.g., inspiring others). - **Purity**: Minimal negative consequences. - **Extent**: Benefits many people.

Explanation

1. Define Bentham's "calculus of felicity"<br /> Bentham's calculus of felicity, or hedonic calculus, is a method to quantify happiness by evaluating actions based on seven criteria: intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent.<br /><br />2. Provide an example<br /> Example: Deciding whether to donate to charity. Evaluate the action:<br />- **Intensity**: Strong positive feelings from helping others.<br />- **Duration**: Long-lasting impact on beneficiaries.<br />- **Certainty**: High likelihood of improving lives.<br />- **Propinquity**: Immediate satisfaction from donating.<br />- **Fecundity**: Leads to further positive outcomes (e.g., inspiring others).<br />- **Purity**: Minimal negative consequences.<br />- **Extent**: Benefits many people.
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