Utilitarianism

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Utilitarianism
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Type of Philosophy

• Teleological Consequentialist
• Is primarily concerned with outcomes in moral
  decision making

• Rationalist
• Uses reason and logic to form moral principles
  and make moral decisions

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Major Thinker 1 Jeremy Bentham

• 1748-1832, England
• Philosopher, legal scholar, social reformer

• Context
• Political and economic upheaval developed
  Utilitarianism in light of American and French
  Revolutions and Industrial Revolution

• Concern for the poor and uneducated masses who
  were voiceless in society interests of the poor
  should matter as much as the rich

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Major Thinker 2 John Stuart Mill

• 1806-1873, England
• - Tutored by Bentham as a child and adolescent
• - Philosopher, legal scholar, social reformer

• Post-nervous breakdown at age 20, he modified
  Benthams version of Utilitarianism.

• Generally thought established rules resulted in
  the most happiness (do not steal or kill)

• Troubled by the disproportionate holding of
  wealth in his society

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Rational Basis of Utilitarianism

• Principle of Utility Act in such a way that you
  produce the greatest amount of happiness for the
  greatest number of people.
• Also
• minimize pain!
• consider all sentient beings!

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What is Happiness?

• Benthams answer
• - Pleasure and the absence of pain
• - All pleasures are equal
• - Pleasure is the only good (hedonism)

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What is Happiness?

• Mills answer
• Pleasure, but divided into two categories, high
  and low. High pleasures last longer and are
  different in quality.

• High Pleasures (intellectual)
• Examples reading a book,
• creating art

• Low pleasures (physical)
• Examples eating a good meal, taking a bubble bath

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Some Questions to Ask

• Who are what will be affected?
• What are possible long and short term results?
• What will bring about the most happiness?
• What will bring about the least pain?

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How to Make a Decision

• As disinterested and benevolent spectator
• (impartial) (good-willed)
• - Do not give special consideration to self,
  family, or friends
• - Act on the principle of utility
• Example burning house

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Utilitarianism and the Law

• Laws should be written and/or followed if they
  bring about happiness for the greatest number
  (common good). Laws should bring about peace,
  security, and equality. Envisioned a society in
  which the happiness of all was certain.
• Examples of important social causes womens
  rights, abolition, prison reform, freedom of the
  press