Outline preference utilitarianism and explain why problems with calculation may present an issue for this theory.
AQA A-Level Philosophy | Paper 1 | 2027 Predicted Paper | Mark Scheme Question 9
Question 9
Outline preference utilitarianism and explain why problems with calculation may present an issue for this theory.
[12 marks]
What is expected in the answer?
This is a 12-mark AO1 question, so students are not required to decide whether preference utilitarianism is ultimately convincing. Outline requires a precise and clearly ordered account of the theory, while explain requires students to develop the calculation problem and show exactly why it creates difficulty for preference utilitarianism.
AQA defines outline as presenting something precisely and clearly in its relevant stages or parts, while explain requires detail, analysis and relevant connections. The current specification explicitly includes non-hedonistic utilitarianism, including preference utilitarianism, and problems with calculation as required content.
Levels of response
Marks | Descriptor |
10–12 | The answer is precise, fully integrated and logical. Preference utilitarianism and the calculation problem are both accurately and thoroughly explained. Connections between the theory and the problem are explicit, with sustained relevance and precise philosophical terminology. |
7–9 | A clear, integrated and logical response showing detailed understanding of both parts. There may be some minor imprecision, omission or redundancy. |
4–6 | A largely correct and coherent answer with some logical links. Both areas may be addressed, but there are gaps, limited development or insufficient integration. |
1–3 | Some relevant points are made, but the response is fragmented, significantly incomplete or imprecise. One part of the question may be largely absent. |
0 | Nothing written worthy of credit. |
These closely reflect AQA’s actual descriptors for 12-mark AO1 questions. In the 2022 Paper 1 mark scheme, AQA required a precise, fully integrated and logical answer for the 10 to 12 band.
Indicative content
Preference utilitarianism
Students may explain that preference utilitarianism is a form of non-hedonistic utilitarianism.
Utilitarianism holds that an action is morally right if it maximises utility compared with the alternatives.
Preference utilitarianism differs from hedonistic versions because utility is not understood as pleasure and absence of pain. Instead, utility is understood in terms of:
preference fulfilment or desire satisfaction.
So an action is morally right if it can reasonably be expected to produce the greatest overall fulfilment of preferences.
Students may explain that:
the consequences of actions determine their moral status
the preferences of those affected must be taken into account
the relevant question is not simply “Which action produces most pleasure?”
instead it is “Which available action produces the greatest overall preference satisfaction?”
therefore an action which produces less pleasure could still be preferable if it fulfils more or stronger relevant preferences.
AQA explicitly places preference utilitarianism within its non-hedonistic forms of utilitarianism.
Why calculation creates a problem
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