Utilitarianism

Definition

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. It evaluates actions based on their consequences, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This principle connects to various philosophical discussions about morality, social structures, and the implications of ethical decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Utilitarianism was notably advanced by philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who provided a framework for measuring happiness.
2. There are two main forms of utilitarianism: act utilitarianism, which evaluates each individual action, and rule utilitarianism, which focuses on following rules that generally promote the best outcomes.
3. Utilitarianism faces criticism for potentially justifying harmful actions if they produce a net benefit for a larger group.
4. In contemporary debates, utilitarian principles often intersect with discussions about public policy, economics, and welfare.
5. The theory emphasizes impartiality, meaning that everyone’s happiness counts equally in moral considerations.

Review Questions

• How does utilitarianism relate to the principles established by Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau regarding the social contract?
  • Utilitarianism aligns with social contract theories by emphasizing the collective welfare of society. Hobbes viewed social contracts as necessary to escape the state of nature, which can lead to conflict and unhappiness. Locke introduced the idea of natural rights that need to be preserved for societal happiness. Rousseau emphasized general will, which echoes utilitarian ideals by seeking outcomes that benefit all. Each theorist contributes to understanding how governance should prioritize collective happiness.
• Evaluate how John Stuart Mill's version of utilitarianism differs from Bentham's original formulation and its implications for contemporary political philosophy.
  • John Stuart Mill expanded on Bentham's utilitarianism by introducing qualitative differences in pleasures, suggesting some forms of happiness are superior to others. Mill argued that intellectual and moral pleasures hold greater value than mere physical pleasure. This distinction has significant implications for contemporary political philosophy, as it encourages policymakers to consider not only quantitative outcomes but also the quality of experiences in societal welfare, shaping debates around education, culture, and rights.
• Critically analyze the role of utilitarianism in applied ethics, particularly in bioethics and medical ethics decisions.
  • Utilitarianism plays a critical role in applied ethics by providing a framework for evaluating healthcare decisions based on their outcomes for patient populations. In bioethics, it can guide resource allocation, such as prioritizing treatments that yield the greatest overall health benefits. However, applying utilitarian principles can lead to ethical dilemmas when considering individual rights versus collective good. For instance, prioritizing treatments may overlook minority groups’ needs, raising questions about fairness and justice within healthcare systems.

Related terms

Hedonism: The philosophical idea 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.

Deontology:

An ethical theory that emphasizes duties and rules over the consequences of actions.