Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that suggests actions should be evaluated based on their potential to maximize overall happiness or utility. This theory focuses on the outcome that would represent the greatest good for the greatest number of people. The overall goal of utilitarianism is to achieve the greatest amount of overall well-being for everyone involved.
In the 18th century, philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill developed the fundamental principles of utilitarianism. Bentham is often considered the founder of utilitarianism; he proposed the principle of “the greatest happiness for the greatest number.” How to measure happiness? Bentham suggested a quantitative approach to measuring happiness or pleasure, suggesting that actions should be judged on the amount of pleasure they produce and the absence of pain when initiated.
John Stuart Mill expanded upon Bentham’s ideas. Mill introduced the qualitative nuances to the happiness theory by distinguishing between higher and lower pleasures. His position was that intellectual and moral pleasures hold greater value than mere physical pleasures. His work helped refine utilitarianism and added complexities to Bentham’s rosy outlook.
Made simple, utilitarianism operates on the simple principle of seeking the most favorable outcome for the largest number of people when taking an action. Philosophers in this area of thinking propose that when deciding upon an action, one should consider all potential consequences and then intentionally choose the course that leads to the greatest overall well-being. It’s an interesting theory to dissect, especially in the field of ethics.
Imagine a doctor who has a limited supply of a life-saving medication. Utilitarianism would suggest that the doctor should prioritize distributing the medicine in such a way that the lives saved would be maximized, saving as many lives as possible.
While utilitarianism offers a straightforward approach to ethical decision-making, it is not usually as simple as the example above. Each case study has complexities that require deeper analysis. One major criticism of this philosophy is that it may lead to morally questionable actions if those actions maximize overall utility. For example, a utilitarian perspective may justify sacrificing the well-being of a few individuals for the greater good of the majority. Another criticism lies in the ability to calculate happiness/pleasure in a tangible way. Happiness is a very subjective phenomenon, and it is challenging to try to make it fit into an objective view that can then make accurate quantification estimates. And third, focusing solely on perceived outcomes based on subjective measures is sure to neglect subjective moral principles and/or individual rights.
Utilitarianism remains a significant ethical theory within the study of philosophy. This theory has shaped discussions on morality and decision-making for centuries and remains relevant today. On the question of how we balance individual well-being with the consideration of collective well-being, utilitarianism takes a strong position toward the collective, which differs from a lot of philosophy that focuses on the individual, such as existentialism.