Utilitarian

Utilitarianism is a philosophical and ethical theory that proposes that the best action is the one that maximizes utility. This is often defined in terms of the well-being of sentient entities. Originally, Jeremy Bentham, the founder of Utilitarianism, defined utility as the aggregate pleasure after deducting suffering of all involved in any action. John Stuart Mill expanded this concept of utility to include not only the quantity, but quality of pleasure, while focusing on rules, instead of individual moral actions. Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism, which states that the consequences of any action are the only standard of right and wrong. Unlike other forms of consequentialism, such as egoism, utilitarianism considers all interests equally.

History

Jeremy Bentham is often considered the founder of utilitarianism, although he did not use this term. Bentham's work, An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, was published in 1789, but he continued to revise it until his death in 1832. Bentham defined the fundamental axiom of his philosophy as "it is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong."

John Stuart Mill was a follower of Bentham, and through his work, utilitarianism became a more mainstream and influential moral theory. Mill's book, Utilitarianism, was published in 1861 and it remains a significant philosophical work today. Mill argues that cultural, intellectual, and spiritual pleasures are of greater value than mere physical pleasure.

Criticism

Utilitarianism has been criticized for only looking at the results of actions, not at the desires or intentions which motivate them, which many consider to be a vital part of ethical evaluation. It also tends to reduce the moral worth of an action to the overall happiness produced, which can lead to conclusions that conflict with our intuitive moral beliefs.

See also

• Consequentialism
• Egoism
• Ethics
• Jeremy Bentham
• John Stuart Mill
• Philosophy
• Utility

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