"An Act Utilitarian uses scientific reasoning to resolve ethical dilemmas." Discuss.

I would expect the student to approach the question by first defining the terms used in order to demonstrate their understanding. They should state what they will be discussing so the tutor can see the direction in which the student will be taking the question. For example:"The central tenet of Act Utilitarianism is to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number. The ethical theory was formulated by Jeremy Bentham (1748 - 1832) in order to address ethical dilemmas - situations in which a decision-maker must transgress from a moral principle. As a keen social reformer, Bentham endeavoured to make Act Utilitarianism a theory which individuals and groups could easily apply to their daily choices, by basing his theory on empirical observations. He hoped that by applying Act Utilitarian principles, this would better the quality of life of those living in what he considered to be the morally unjust society of Victorian England. However, despite the scientific basis for the theory, Bentham's application of his hedonic calculus within the theory can only be classified as 'pseudo-scientific' at best. In this essay I will explain how Act Utilitarians are unsuccessful at applying scientific reasoning to ethical dilemmas, as it is not possible to 'calculate' pleasure and pain in a scientific way."If I were to approach this question, I would begin with discussing the argument that I would wish to refute (that Act Utilitarianism DOES use scientific reasoning to resolve ethical dilemmas). I would expect the student to consider and expand upon the following:Bentham's aim was to try and apply scientific principles in order to calculate pleasure and pain. These 'ruling masters' he does correctly observe do govern the lives of all - ergo his hypotheses is 'scientific' at heart. His hedonic calculus, which measures the remoteness, purity, richness, intensity, certainty, extent and duration of pleasure and pain may be seen by some as a scientific tool, measuring different variables in order to establish the most beneficial outcome (a seemingly scientific process used as part of this consequentialist theory.) The theory also seeks to eradicate partiality from ethical decision-making, which some would argue is key to taking a scientific approach to morality.As a student, I would then move on to the side of the discussion I am in favour of, explaining that although Bentham tried to apply scientific reasoning to Act Utilitarianism, he is ultimately unsuccessful. The variables in the hedonic calculus are QUALIFIABLE not QUANTIFIABLE (eg. you can't measure how pure pleasure is with a ruler or set of scales!). There are too many changing variables and unknown factors merely due to the fact that the theory considers consequences rather than motivation. It may be helpful to include an example - eating a chocolate bar may make you happy (eg. the certainty of the happiness seems strong if you know from previous experience that eating chocolate makes you feel happy, but the duration short as the happiness only lasts whilst eating) however you don't know what else could interfere with that event and change the outcome of an event that you have 'scientifically engineered' to make yourself happy (eg. you could bite your own tongue whilst eating it, causing you pain).I would expect the student to offer a decisive answer to the statement given in the question, having considered the different angles of approach throughout the essay:"Act Utilitarianism does not use scientific reasoning to resolve ethical dilemmas, as scientific reasoning fails to play a part in the theory - despite Bentham's mistaken belief that it does through the application of the hedonic calculus. It is impossible for a decision-maker to make the kind of calculations that Act Utilitarianism requires whilst having to work with qualifiable variables alone."