Utilitarianism: A Philosophical Analysis

Utilitarianism is a theory in normative ethics which suggests that the best moral action is the one that maximizes utility. Utility is related to the good of human beings. Individuals who are for utilitarianism defines utility as the combined pleasure after reducing suffering of all involved in any action. Some individuals have expanded this definition of utility to consider not only the quantity, but quality of pleasure, while focusing on rules, instead of individual moral actions. Others have denied that pleasure has actual value and have advocated negative utilitarianism, which defines utility only in terms of suffering.

Act utilitarianism is a utilitarian theory of which states a person moral duty is to promote the most happiness to their society. The only thing that is judge is the person actions. Utilitarians believe that the purpose of morality is to make life better by increasing pleasure/god things and decreasing pain ( suffering). Utilitarians reject moral codes or systems that come from authority whether it is based customs, traditions, or religious people. Instead, utilitarians think that what makes a morality be true or justifiable is the joy it brings to the community as a whole. They care about the people happiness above anything else. In one of the examples the Utilitarian a group of people to be feed to hungry lions because it brought joy and

Utilitarianism: “The idea that an action is right, as long as it promotes happiness, and that the greatest happiness of the greatest number should be the guiding principle of conduct (Oxford Dictionaries).” This theory was thought up as far back as the 17th century, but didn’t become well known until late into the 18th century when Jeremy Bentham a legal and social reformer gave a powerful presentation of the idea. “Create all the happiness you are able to create; remove all the misery you are able to remove. Every day will allow you, will invite you to add something to the pleasure of others, or to diminish something of their pains (Jeremey Bentham).” Deontology: “An ethical theory that the morality of an action should be based on whether

In today 's society, we face many obstacles in our attempt to achieve the feeling of happiness. As intelligent beings, we try to solve these problems by taking the path that best benefits us. The theory of utilitarianism provides a solution to this but at what cost? What are the benefits and disadvantages of utilitarianism? Is utilitarianism an idea one should live by? What is utilitarianism? I plan on answering these questions within this paper and understand how they relate to everyday life. I will also look at arguments for and against utilitarianism. Then analyze the appealing and unappealing features to determine if utilitarianism should be followed as an absolute rule.

In the Omnivore’s Dilemma,

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory which acts as a guideline on how people should act in certain situations and was first introduced by a hedonist (pursuer of pleasure) named Jeremy Bentham who put forward the ‘Principle of Utility’ which said “The greatest happiness for the greatest number”. Utilitarianism is a theory which bases on the end purpose (teleological) of achieving pleasure, our decisions should be based on consequences in pursuit of the principle of utility (consequentialist) and is a theory which judges each situation independently (relativistic).

In Utilitarianism, J.S. Mill gives an account for the reasons one must abide by the principles of Utilitarianism. Also referred to as the Greatest-happiness Principle, this doctrine promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest amount of people. More specifically, Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism, holding that the right act is that which yields the greatest net utility, or "the total amount of pleasure minus the total amount of pain", for all individuals affected by said act (Joyce, lecture notes from 03/30).

The most important question of all is what should one do since the ultimate purpose of answering questions is either to satisfy curiosity or to decide which action to take. Complicated analysis is often required to answer that question. Beyond ordinary analysis, one must also have a system of values, and the correct system of values is utilitarianism.

"Utilitarianism is characterized by happiness and consequential-ism... Consequential-ism in utilitarianism is in the fact that an action must be judged for its consequences on the happiness of the largest number." (utilitarian philosophy. web) When it comes down to a tough situation, what would a utilitarian do? Now in this paper I will explain exactly what a utilitarian should do in a sticky situation and also explain the reasoning for their actions. For instance, what would a utilitarian do when it came to choosing between their own child or choosing multiple people's lives? The situation would be very difficult without a doubt in mind, but the utilitarians would stick to whatever would lead to the greatest overall happiness.

Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is mainly associated with the principle of Utility summarised by Jeremy Bentham, a social reformer, in 1768. This principle was to apply ‘the greatest good of the greatest number’ theory to all situations that may arise. This theory was that which is good is the act which provides the greatest amount of pleasure and the least amount of pain. This is a teleological theory as the action is determined by the consequences of the action, and not the purpose of the action. The theory considered pleasure and happiness to be the

After reading chapter 7, I wasn't sure if utilitarianism is all that convincing. From the first example from the reading, where the dying millionaire wants to donate his money to the Yankees, but then there is a charity to help people that are starving. To me I am on the fence for which way it should go. First of all, I feel as the person should carry out the man's dying wish and give it to the Yankees, in which he wanted his money to be given to. But, then that charity that could help 100,000 starving people changes things. Utilitarianism from what I understand is the doing of something that causes the greatest amount of people happiness. After re-reading some of chapter 7 and really understanding what utilitarianism means, I finally found

"They (meaning Utilitarians) argued that actions and social policies should be judged right or wrong exclusively according to whether they cause happiness or misery....." (Rachels, 2010, 308)

Utilitarianism is a moral theory that has long been the subject of philosophical debate. This theory, when practiced, appears to set a very basic guideline to follow when one is faced with a moral dilemma. Fundamental Utilitarianism states that when a moral dilemma arises, one should take action that causes favorable results or reduces less favorable results. If these less favorable results, or pain, occur from this action, it can be justified if it is produced to prevent more pain or produce happiness. Stating the Utilitarian view can summarize these basic principles: "the greatest good for the greatest number". Utilitarians are to believe that if they follow this philosophy, that no matter what action they take, it

The theory of Utilitarianism states that actions should be judged as right or wrong depending on whether they cause more happiness or unhappiness. It weighs the rightness and wrongness of an action based on consequences of that action.

Numerous moral theories have surfaced in the past years. They have been widely debated by philosophers and social reformers. It is important to understand what these theories are because of their influential tendencies in the way people act, especially in making morally right or wrong decisions. Utilitarianism is one of these many moral theories. Upon further analysis, problems with utilitarian thoughts are revealed. It has been widely debated by many philosophers, including G.E. Moore and Immanuel Kant. Like these two philosophers, I argue that utilitarianism is inadequate because of its contradictory nature as a moral theory. It highlights the principle of utility in seeking the greatest pleasure, allowing egotistic and hedonistic actions to be considered moral.