-1Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is producing the greatest good for the greatest number, it’s
a theory of usefulness. Utilitarianism was developed in the eighteenth
century by Hutcheson. Jeremy Bentham. Henry Sedgwick and john
Stuart mill developed the theory in the nineteenth century. They believed
that actions which are correct are those that produce the greatest
happiness for the most people involved.

Jeremy Bentham Henry Sedgwick John Stuart mill

There are two main theories concerned with utilitarianism. Teleological

ethics are concerned with the consequence of an action:

Situation ethics which brings about the most love filled result

Utilitarianism which brings about the greatest happiness for the greatest
number

The principle of utility

The principle claims that we should choose the action that brings about
the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

By doing this an action will be judged on its usefulness

Bentham said “ if an action brings about pleasure then it is right.

Bentham created the hedonic calculus which measures the most pleasurable
action.

The Hedonic calculus measures:

Intensity
Duration
Certainty
Closeness
Fecundity
Purity
Extent

From the hedonic calculus it may be possible to measure who you would
save from a burning building first. A child, a pregnant woman, an old
man, or a scientist.

Mill believed that quality was more important than quantity when it came
to pleasure. For example, the pleasures of the mind are far superior to the
gratification of the body’s desires. This deals with the problem of sadistic
torturers, as their pleasure is of a significantly lower kind.

‘It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied;

better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.’

Utilitarianism has been adapted in different ways:

Hare – preferences: the morally right action is the one that maximizes
that satisfaction of the preferences of all those involved.

Sedgwick – motives: it is the motive rather than the outcome that is good

Singer – interests: you need to look at what is in the best interests of those
affected

Strengths and weaknesses of utilitarianism

Strengths:

Human well being is good and actions should be judged according to

their affect

Jesus preached on the ethic of love requiring men to work for the well
being of others

The majority’s interest is always considered and a dangerous minority

aren’t allowed to dominate.

Weaknesses:

Not every action done out of good will is going to result in good
consequence

Religious people believe that the best situation is something to be

controlled by god not humans

It is wrong to assume that the majority are always right. Both majority and minority views
should be accounted for

Utilitarianism relies on a single principle you cant solve every scenario

by one theory because every dilemma is unique.