Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism

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Utilitarianism is producing the greatest good for the greatest number, it’s a theory of usefulness. Utilitarianism was developed in the eighteenth century by Hutcheson. Jeremy Bentham. Henry Sedgwick and john Stuart mill developed the theory in the nineteenth century. They believed that actions which are correct are those that produce the greatest happiness for the most people involved.

Jeremy Bentham

Henry Sedgwick

John Stuart mill

There are two main theories concerned with utilitarianism. Teleological ethics are concerned with the consequence of an action: Situation ethics which brings about the most love filled result

Utilitarianism which brings about the greatest happiness for the greatest number

The principle of utility

The principle claims that we should choose the action that brings about the greatest happiness for the greatest number. By doing this an action will be judged on its usefulness Bentham said “ if an action brings about pleasure then it is right. Bentham created the hedonic calculus which measures the most pleasurable action.

The Hedonic calculus measures: Intensity Duration Certainty Closeness Fecundity Purity Extent From the hedonic calculus it may be possible to measure who you would save from a burning building first. A child, a pregnant woman, an old man, or a scientist.

Mill believed that quality was more important than quantity when it came to pleasure. For example, the pleasures of the mind are far superior to the

gratification of the body’s desires. This deals with the problem of sadistic torturers, as their pleasure is of a significantly lower kind. ‘It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.’

Utilitarianism has been adapted in different ways: Hare – preferences: the morally right action is the one that maximizes that satisfaction of the preferences of all those involved. Sedgwick – motives: it is the motive rather than the outcome that is good Singer – interests: you need to look at what is in the best interests of those affected Strengths and weaknesses of utilitarianism Strengths:

Human well being is good and actions should be judged according to their affect Jesus preached on the ethic of love requiring men to work for the well being of others The majority’s interest is always considered and a dangerous minority aren’t allowed to dominate. Weaknesses:

Not every action done out of good will is going to result in good

consequence Religious people believe that the best situation is something to be controlled by god not humans It is wrong to assume that the majority are always right. Both majority and minority views should be accounted for

Utilitarianism relies on a single principle you cant solve every scenario by one theory because every dilemma is unique.