Ethics
Utilitarianism
- One of the best known and most influential moral theories.
- a consequentialist moral theory that judges actions based on their consequences whether actions are
morally right or wrong.
- It states that the best action is the one that brings the greatest good for the greatest number.
4 Theses of Utilitarianism
Consequentialism- the rightness of action is determined solely by their consequences
Hedonism- the utility is the degree to which an act produce pleasure. It is a thesis that pleasure or
happiness is the good we seek and that we should seek.
Maximalism- a right action produces good and the least bad.
Universalism- the consequences to be consider are those of everyone affected and everyone equally.
Jeremy Bentham's Utilitarianism
-He was a key figure in establishing utilitarianism as a formal moral theory.
-He introduced the concept of Hedonic/Felicific Calculus- a method for quantitatively measuring
pleasure and pain to determine the rightness of actions.
-He believed that all pleasures could be compared, promoting the idea that maximizing pleasure would
lead to collective well-being.
-Bentham’s view is described as Act Utilitarianism.
John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism
-He expanded upon Bentham’s ideas by distinguishing between higher and lower pleasures.
-He argued that intellectual and moral pleasures (higher pleasures) are superior to purely physical
pleasures (lower pleasures). Mill emphasized the importance of quality over quantity, asserting that a
life of intellect and moral engagement is preferable, even in dissatisfaction, to a life of simple physical
pleasure.
Two formulations of Utilitarian
Principle of Utility- the best action is that which produces the greatest happiness and/or reduces pain.
Principle of Greatest Happiness- we ought to do that which produces the greatest happiness and least pain
for the greatest number of people.
BENTHAM VS MILL
BENTHAM MILL
The greatest good (pleasure) for the greatest The greatest happiness for the greater number
number
Focused on individual alone We should protect the common good,
universalistic
Quantitative- Hedonic/Felicific Calculus Qualitative- Higher and/or lower pleasure
Consequentialist Consequentialist
Strengths of Utilitarianism
Practical – Used in decision-making for policies, healthcare, and law.
Fair – Encourages actions that bring happiness to the majority.
Flexible – Can be applied in different situations.
Problems with Utilitarianism
Ignores individual rights – Sometimes sacrifices the few for the majority.
Difficult to measure happiness – Not all pleasures can be compared.
Can justify harmful actions – If the majority benefits, some might suffer unfairly.
*Utilitarianism does not consider motives and intentions and so rejects the principle of treating with people
with intrinsic value. Utilitarianism can be seen as too impersonal and does not consider the rights of
individuals in its attempt to look for the ‘greater good’.
Real-Life Applications of Utilitarianism
Used in public policies, such as:
Healthcare (choosing policies that benefit the most people)
Law (punishments based on social good)
Business ethics (maximizing benefits for customers and employees)
