What is the Hedonic
Calculus
A tool by which one can measure pleasure and pain -
| # |
7 Criteria |
Questions Asked |
| 1 |
Intensity |
How intense/strong is the pleasure and emotional
satisfaction? |
| 2 |
Duration |
How long will the pleasure last? |
| 3 |
Certainty |
How certain am I that pleasure will occur? |
| 4 |
Propinquity |
How soon will the pleasure occur?
How near is it? |
| 5 |
Fecundity |
How likely is it that this experience will cause
more pleasure in the future? |
| 6 |
Purity |
Is there any pain that accompanies this
pleasure? |
| 7 |
Extent |
How many people will be affected? |
To have a better understanding of Bentham's Hedonic
Calculus,
calculate whether or not you should take a particular action based
on the Hedonic Calculus. Pleasure and pain range from -10 to +10
Sample scenario:
You just got engaged and started college shortly after the
engagement. You meet a philosophy professor that sweeps you
off your feet. You discuss philosophical issues after class in his
office and occasionally in the cafeteria The prof invites you to an
out-of-town philosophy lecture. You sense the prof is attracted to
you too, though attraction has never been discussed. Should
you attend with him or go out to dinner with your fiancé?
| |
7 Criteria |
Yes
Attend |
Politely decline & do
dinner with fiancé |
| 1 |
Intensity |
8 |
5 |
| 2 |
Duration |
4 |
4 |
| 3 |
Certainty |
6 |
8 |
| 4 |
Propinquity |
10 |
10 |
| 5 |
Fecundity |
0 |
8 |
| 6 |
Purity |
-8 |
0 |
| 7 |
Extent |
-4 |
3 |
| Totals |
16 |
38 (Would you want your fiancé
to be a utilitarian?) |
Classroom activity
Complete a Hedonic Calculus
Sample Scenarios:, soliciting help on a take-home exam; running
across a former dating partner in a mall and deciding to have
a quick lunch together in the mall; attending a dinner you had
committed yourself to or lying at the last minute & saying
you can't make it (because you were offered tickets to an event...
|
