Utilitarianism The Greatest Good For Greatest Number Of...

â€Å"The end may justify the means as long as there is something that justifies the end.† ― Leon Trotsky. Utilitarianism, simply defined is the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This is a very old philosophy that is believed to be founded by Jeremy Bentham, an English philosopher and social reformer. Utilitarianism is a complex issue, it is one that many struggles with. Many people do not like this view because they simply do not like other people, in fact, James Alan Gardner went so far as to boldly say â€Å"I do not care about the greatest good for the greatest number . . . Most people are poop-heads I do not care about them at all.†. Many agree with what he says although they may not agree with how he says it. It is a view that has been argued upon for over a hundred years. Many people say that it is always right while some say it is dependent upon the scenario and then you have the people like James Alan Gardner who would flat out say it is w rong. This paper will present the views of Utilitarianism, elaborate on them and proceed to explain how we may or may not apply them in our own Christian context. John Stuart Mill describes Utilitarianism as a theory based on the principle that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.. So let’s explain Utilitarianism. First off it is important to note that in this view, each person s happiness or well-being is as important as any otherShow MoreRelated Utilitarianism Essay examples1220 Words   |  5 PagesThis essay will present the key features of Utilitarianism and identify the problems of Utilitarianism to the extent to which they make Utilitarianism unacceptable. Jeremy Bentham founded Utilitarianism. He lived at a time of great change. With revolutions in France and America, demands were being made for human rights and greater democracy. Bentham worked on legal reform. Utilitarianism is associated with the principle of utility. Utility means the amount of satisfaction orRead MoreUtilitarianism Essay957 Words   |  4 PagesUtilitarianism Utilitarianism is the greatest good of the greatest number. It takes the view that an action is right if it is likely to produce the best consequences compared to all the other possible actions. The best consequences are those which involve the maximization of what is good and the minimization of what is bad. The worst consequences are which involve the maximization of what is bad and the minimization of what is goodRead MoreUtilitarianism : A Workable Moral Theory? Why Or Why Not?958 Words   |  4 PagesUtilitarianism: A Workable Moral Theory? Why or Why Not? Utilitarianism is one of the most commonly used ethical theories from the time it was formulated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stewart Mill in the nineteenth century. In his work, Utilitarianism, Bentham â€Å"sought to dispel misconceptions that morality has nothing to do with usefulness or utility or that morality is opposed to pleasure† (MacKinnon, 2012, p. 53). To simplify the utilitarian principle, which is one of utilityRead MoreDiscount Or Equality Men Versus Women Wage Disparities Essay1503 Words   |  7 Pagesperformed the same job responsibilities and roles in the workplace. The big question is why are women being unvalued? Since, this is a common practice in the workplace, is this fair to both genders and is this the most favorable outcome for the greatest number affected by this business practice? The Equal Pay Act of 1963 was passed to eliminate this type of discrimination based on sex with paying wages to employees, in such establishme nt at a rate less than the rate at which pays, wages to employeesRead MoreEffectiveness of Utilitarianism as a Modern Moral Theory927 Words   |  4 Pageshuman emotions and a sense of intrinsic good, and logic: the appeal to human understanding of the world. While a number of moral theories exist, none of them is more well documented that Utilitarianism, which focuses on the maximization of total utility. I will discuss the theory initially, and then identify the major problems associated with it. I will conclude with a rationale as to how effective Utilitarianism is as a modern moral theory. Utilitarianism is quite a broad theory, with differentRead MoreEssay on Utilitarianism1031 Words   |  5 PagesUtilitarianism 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 greatestRead MoreDescribe the Main Principles of the Two Normative Ethical Theories of Deontology and Utilitarianism. Compare and Contrast the Two Theories, Bringing Out Any Problems or Limitations You See in Each.1652 Words   |  7 PagesDescribe the main principles of the two normative ethical theories of deontology and utilitarianism. Compare and contrast the two theories, bringing out any problems or limitations you see in each. Bioethics Essay †¢ Intro: Define ethics and define and introduce the two theories. (philosophical theories†¦) †¢ Utilitarianism- example †¢ Deontology- example- compare †¢ comparing- evaluating and critically analyzing*- similarities and differences. †¢ Limitations and positives* Read MoreJohn Stuart Mill Is Considered One Of The Most Influential1099 Words   |  5 Pagesspread physiological following of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism in a nutshell, is the ethical philosophy in which the needs of the highest number of people in a society over the needs of the lowest number of people is considered the ultimate choice. Mill’s interpretation of utilitarianism is that everything that is desirable is desired because of the pleasure they provide or because they help reduce pain. This interpretation would be later referred as the â€Å"Greatest Happiness Principle†. Today, thereRead MoreThe Concept Of Utilitarianism And Utilitarianism1216 Words   |  5 Pagestorture and utilitarianism can cause a large moral dilemma. I believe that torture can be justified by the utilitarian principle, and the example given is acceptable. Yet, I believe that the concept of utilitarianism is idealistic but not realistic. Often related to utilitarianism is the term, hedonism. Utilitarianism is considered to be a type of hedonism. Utilitarianism is all about creating the greatest amount of happiness for the majority of people (Geninet,2015). Right or wrong and good or evilRead MoreThe Moral Theory Of Utilitarianism1725 Words   |  7 Pagestendencies 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