Utilitarianism

Definition

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that proposes the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. This approach emphasizes the consequences of actions, where the moral worth is determined by their outcome in terms of pleasure or happiness for the greatest number of people. The concept raises questions about how to achieve social good, the impact of individual decisions on community welfare, and the balancing of competing interests.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Utilitarianism was prominently developed by philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who emphasized different aspects of happiness and utility.
2. Bentham introduced the concept of a 'felicific calculus' to measure pleasure and pain in order to evaluate the moral worth of actions.
3. Mill argued for qualitative differences in pleasures, suggesting that intellectual and moral pleasures are superior to mere physical ones.
4. Utilitarianism faces criticism for potentially justifying actions that harm individuals if they result in a greater overall benefit to society.
5. The theory is often applied in modern discussions surrounding public policy, ethical dilemmas, and economic decisions, highlighting its relevance in contemporary debates.

Review Questions

• How does utilitarianism critique democracy in terms of decision-making and public policy?
  • Utilitarianism critiques democracy by highlighting the potential for majority rule to overlook or harm minority interests. The focus on maximizing happiness for the greatest number can lead to decisions that prioritize collective benefit at the expense of individual rights. This raises important ethical questions about how democratic systems can ensure fairness while pursuing utilitarian goals.
• In what ways does the concept of friendship in Epicureanism align or contrast with utilitarian principles?
  • Epicureanism values friendship as essential for achieving happiness, viewing it as a source of pleasure and support. This aligns with utilitarianism's emphasis on maximizing happiness but contrasts in its more personal approach to relationships. Epicureans focus on cultivating deep connections for individual well-being, while utilitarianism looks at broader societal impacts, which may sometimes prioritize general welfare over personal bonds.
• Evaluate how utilitarianism can be applied to address modern moral dilemmas such as healthcare distribution and environmental policies.
  • Utilitarianism can be applied to modern moral dilemmas by guiding decision-makers to choose policies that yield the greatest overall benefit. In healthcare distribution, this means allocating resources to maximize patient outcomes and overall health within a community. Similarly, environmental policies can be assessed through a utilitarian lens by evaluating actions based on their potential to enhance or diminish quality of life for current and future generations, thereby emphasizing sustainable practices that provide long-term benefits for society.

Related terms

Hedonism: A philosophical belief that pleasure or happiness is the highest good and proper aim of human life.

Consequentialism: An ethical theory that judges whether or not something is right by what its consequences are, closely related to utilitarianism.

Greatest Happiness Principle: A key tenet of utilitarianism that states actions are right if they promote happiness for the greatest number of people.