Utilitarianism
The Hedonic Calculus:
-Jeremy Bentham aimed to replace reliance on God with reasoning about moral-decision making. Introduced the Hedonic Calculus which assesses the morality of actions by comparing pleasure and pain across different factors:
Purity: How likely there will be pain mixed with pleasure
Remoteness: How soon the pain or pleasure will occur
Extent: How many people will be affected
Duration: How long the pleasure or pain will last
Intensity: How strong the pleasure or pain will be
Certainty: How likely pleasure or pain will happen
To be followed by: How likely the pleasure is to lead to more pleasure
Application to Zoos:
- Purity: The pleasure that humans gain from visiting zoos, such as learning about wildlife, experiencing enjoyment, and supporting conservation, is not entirely free from pain. Many animals in captivity suffer from stress, unnatural behaviours, or poor living conditions, making the pleasure impure. If animals exhibit signs of distress, such as pacing, self-harm, or depression, then the enjoyment humans gain from zoos is mixed with the suffering of the animals, reducing the overall moral value of zoos.
- Remoteness: The benefits of zoos, particularly the educational and entertainment aspects, are immediate, as visitors experience them during their trips. Conservation efforts, such as breeding programs and species protection, may take longer to show results, but they can still have a long-term impact. On the other hand, the positive effects for humans may be delayed, and the suffering of animals in captivity may also be immediate, especially if they are placed in small enclosures, experience loneliness.
- Extent: The number of people positively affected by zoos is significant, as they provide education, entertainment, and scientific research to millions of visitors worldwide. Additionally, programs in zoos may help species survive, preventing extinction. However lots of animals would also be affected by pain.
- Duration: The positive effects of zoos, such as educating visitors and the appreciation for animals, can have long-term impacts. People who visit zoos may develop a lifelong interest in wildlife and a greater sense of responsibility towards animal welfare. However, the animals may experience prolonged suffering if they are unable to engage in natural behaviours or live in restricted environments. If they spend their lives with little stimulation or space, the distress they endure may be too long-lasting to justify the benefits.
- Intensity: The pleasure that humans gain from zoos, such as enjoyment and learning isn't as intense as the suffering that animals experience. If the intensity of pain is far stronger than the pleasure gained, then keeping animals in zoos would be difficult to justify under Utilitarianism.
- Certainty: The enjoyment visitors gain from seeing animals up close is almost guaranteed, as zoos provide an accessible way to experience wildlife. Zoos also create jobs and attract tourism, ensuring economic benefits. However, the certainty of suffering for animals varies. Some may experience stress from constant human interaction and unnatural climates, leading to poor mental and physical health. While well-run zoos can minimise harm through proper care. The balance of pleasure and pain depends on the quality of the zoo's management and ethical considerations.
- To be followed by: Zoos have the potential to lead to more positive outcomes in the future, such as the animals developing and being further released in the wild and increasing public awareness about endangered species. If zoos successfully educate people and contribute to saving species, then the pleasure they generate can continue beyond the initial visit. However, if animals lose their natural survival skills, then they may struggle to survive if released into the wild. Additionally, if zoos encourage the idea that keeping animals in captivity is acceptable, this could lead to more animals being confined for human benefit, potentially increasing suffering rather than reducing it.
How useful is Utilitarianism:
Strengths: Considers both human and animal interests, acknowledging that animals suffering is important.
Weaknesses: Difficult to measure or compare the happiness of humans and animals.