Utilitarianism

• “Utilitarianism” is a normative ethical theory, which suggests that the morally correct action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

• The theory was initially developed by philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill in the 19th century.

• Bentham is often associated with the principle of ‘Hedonic Calculus’. This involves judging pleasure and pain based on its intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity and extent.

• Mill, on the other hand, focused on the quality of happiness rather than quantity. He distinguished between higher pleasures (intellectual) and lower pleasures (physical). His version is often termed ‘Rule Utilitarianism’.

• Utilitarianism is consequentialist in nature, meaning that it emphasises the end result of an action rather than the intention or the act itself.

• Critics of utilitarianism argue that it can justify immoral acts (such as torture or murder) if they lead to overall happiness.

• Another criticism is the ‘tyranny of the majority,’ where the majority’s happiness could lead to the suffering of a minority.

• Some philosophers reject the utility principle, arguing that humans are not solely driven by pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain.

• Despite criticism, Utilitarianism has been influential in practical ethics, such as policy-making, medical ethics, and animal rights, as it provides a clear decision-making process.

• Overall, it is crucial to understand and critique Utilitarianism as part of your examination of normative ethical theories.