Utilitarianism

Definition

Utilitarianism is a philosophical theory that suggests that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. This principle often weighs the consequences of actions to determine their moral worth, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number of people. In the context of Victorian literature, it reflects the tensions between emerging scientific rationality and traditional moral frameworks, highlighting the struggle to find meaning in a rapidly changing society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Utilitarianism became widely discussed in the 19th century, with key figures like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill advocating for its principles.
2. The idea of utilitarianism poses a challenge to traditional religious morality, as it often prioritizes collective happiness over individual rights.
3. Victorian poetry and prose reflect a growing disillusionment with rigid moral codes, leading to a search for alternative ethical frameworks like utilitarianism.
4. Utilitarian thought influenced various social reforms during the Victorian era, including changes in education, labor laws, and welfare policies aimed at improving societal well-being.
5. Critics of utilitarianism argue that it can lead to justifying harmful actions if they are seen to produce greater overall happiness, raising questions about moral absolutism.

Review Questions

• How did utilitarianism challenge traditional moral frameworks during the Victorian era?
  • Utilitarianism challenged traditional moral frameworks by shifting the focus from fixed moral codes to outcomes based on maximizing overall happiness. This new perspective questioned long-held beliefs influenced by religion and tradition, making individuals reconsider their ethical decisions. As writers explored these themes, literature from this period often reflected characters grappling with the implications of prioritizing collective good over personal morality.
• Discuss how key figures like Bentham and Mill contributed to the development of utilitarian thought and its reception in Victorian literature.
  • Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill were instrumental in shaping utilitarianism, with Bentham's idea of maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain forming the foundation. Mill later refined these concepts by emphasizing qualitative differences in pleasures. Their writings prompted significant discussion within Victorian literature as authors grappled with these ideas, often depicting characters torn between utilitarian ideals and societal expectations, ultimately influencing public opinion on moral responsibility.
• Evaluate the implications of utilitarianism on Victorian social reform movements and its legacy in modern ethical discussions.
  • Utilitarianism had profound implications for Victorian social reform movements by providing a framework for evaluating policies based on their potential to enhance societal welfare. Advocates used utilitarian principles to argue for improvements in education, labor laws, and healthcare. Its legacy continues today, influencing modern ethical discussions by prompting debates around the balance between individual rights and collective good, raising critical questions about how best to measure happiness and make moral choices.

Related terms

hedonism: A philosophical approach that prioritizes pleasure and happiness as the highest goods in life.

deontology: An ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of rules and duties in determining moral actions, contrasting with the outcome-focused approach of utilitarianism.

social Darwinism: A controversial ideology applying Darwinian principles to social, political, and economic issues, often used to justify inequalities in society based on perceived fitness.