Ethics

Felicific Calculus Explained

Animal Testing

This is nothing more than an algorithm to measure happiness. Let me explain it to you with an example: Animal Testing (this is a good target for this paper) Utilitarianism is a consequential theory, which means the moral approval of animal testing is only determined by its consequences. The consequences of animal testing is finding the cure for diseases.

1. Intensity: The intensity of the happiness when a patient is cured is the strongest pleasure humans can experience.

2. Duration: The pleasure of being cured will last an entire lifetime.

3. Certainty or uncertainty: The pleasure will occur for sure. This is why it was tested on animal, to be certain it will work on humans.

4. Propinquity or remoteness: The pleasure of being cured will occur instantly. In some patients it might take up to 72 hours, which means the happiness/relief will happen soon.

5. Fecundity: The action of animal testing will be followed by sensations of good/pleasurable kind: the patient will be able to have a good quality of life, take care of their family, incorporate back in society, work, help in the community, and pay taxes.

6. Purity: Since the medicine was already tested on animals scientists have proved this medicine will have NO probability of being followed by sensations of the bad kind.

7. Extent: A huge number of people will be affected- and this is what Utilitarianism consist of -collective happiness. Since sick people will be cured, the government will save money, which means tax payers will save money too. This is what overall utility means, that the good consequences of animal testing benefit overall society, not just the sick people.

Please let me know if you have any question. You must apply the utilitarian claims in this paper as well. They are under Course Materials