Utilitarianism

Definition

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that holds that the most ethical choice is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being for all people affected by the decision. It focuses on the consequences of actions rather than the inherent rightness or wrongness of the actions themselves.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Utilitarianism was developed by philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill in the 18th and 19th centuries.
2. The core principle of utilitarianism is to maximize overall happiness or well-being, often referred to as the 'greatest good for the greatest number'.
3. Utilitarians believe that the morality of an action should be judged solely based on its consequences, not the inherent nature of the action itself.
4. Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism, as it focuses on the outcomes of decisions rather than the intentions or duties behind them.
5. Critics of utilitarianism argue that it can justify harming or exploiting individuals if it leads to a greater good for the majority.

Review Questions

• Explain how the core principle of utilitarianism, to maximize overall happiness or well-being, relates to ethical concerns.
  • The utilitarian approach to ethics is focused on the consequences of actions and the goal of achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This relates to ethical concerns because it suggests that the morality of a decision should be judged based on its ability to maximize overall happiness and well-being, rather than on the inherent rightness or wrongness of the action itself. Utilitarians believe that the ethical choice is the one that produces the best outcome for all those affected, even if it requires harming or exploiting some individuals for the greater good.
• Analyze how utilitarianism's emphasis on consequences rather than intentions or duties differs from other ethical frameworks.
  • Utilitarianism's focus on consequences rather than intentions or duties sets it apart from other ethical frameworks, such as deontology, which judges the morality of actions based on adherence to moral rules or duties. Utilitarians believe that the rightness or wrongness of an action should be determined solely by its outcomes, rather than by the inherent nature of the action or the motivations behind it. This contrasts with deontological approaches that emphasize the importance of following moral principles, even if the consequences of doing so may not maximize overall happiness or well-being. The utilitarian perspective suggests that the ends can justify the means, as long as the overall outcome is the greatest good for the greatest number.
• Evaluate the potential limitations or criticisms of utilitarianism as an ethical framework, particularly in relation to its application to real-world ethical dilemmas.
  • While utilitarianism's focus on maximizing overall happiness and well-being is appealing, the theory has faced significant criticism. One key concern is that it can justify harming or exploiting individuals if it leads to a greater good for the majority. This raises questions about the protection of individual rights and the potential for the tyranny of the majority. Additionally, utilitarianism struggles to account for the complexities of real-world ethical dilemmas, where the consequences of actions may be difficult to predict or measure. There are also challenges in determining whose happiness or well-being should be prioritized and how to weigh different types of happiness or suffering against each other. These limitations suggest that while utilitarianism provides a useful framework for considering the ethical implications of decisions, it may not be sufficient as the sole basis for resolving complex moral issues.

Related terms

Consequentialism: The moral theory that the consequences of one's actions are the ultimate basis for judgments about the morality of those actions.

Hedonism: The belief that pleasure or happiness is the most important goal in life and the basis for determining the morality of an action.

Egoism: The ethical view that individuals should act to maximize their own self-interest, even at the expense of the interests of others.