
Focuses on the consequences that actions or policies have on the wellbeing ("utility") of all persons directly or indirectly affected by the action or policy.
 www.scu.edu


The principle states: "Of any two actions, the most ethical one will produce the greatest balance of benefits over harms."
 www.scu.edu


Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832):
› Jeremy Bentham believes that happiness is the pleasure over pain.
› http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/section_t wo/ue.html



The first obligation is to not let people suffer needlessly.
The second obligation is to encourage abundance, both of wealth and of population.
 http://cepa.newschool.edu/het/profiles/be ntham.htm


John Stuart Mill (1806–1873):
› Expanded the philosophy by asking “does the actions produce the greatest good for the greatest number.”




Follows after Bentham, takes utilitarianism in a new direction.
Mill is sometimes considered the first rule utilitarian.
Believes that there are high and low types of happiness.


“Liberty”
›
›
›
›
›
›
› he has a decidedly rule utilitarian emphasis on the importance of :
Liberty: The freedom to act or believe without being stopped by unnecessary force.
freedom of speech, the right to privacy, a right to free trade, and severe limitations on the rights of society over the individual's independence http://www.miracosta.cc.ca.us/home/lmoon/Th eories.html


War in Iraq
› Mills Theory of Liberty
› We’re defending our country to prevent an attack so, more innocent people aren’t killed.


Death Penalty
› Prevent riots
›
›
Comforts family members
Prevents them from killing again




Cannot assign a quantitative measure to all pleasures and pains.
Does not address the issue of some pleasures and pains that cannot or should not be measured—such as human life or human suffering. http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/sectio n_two/ue-pros.html


Suggests the ends justify the means.
Would lying or cheating be considered ethical if the end result is positive?
 http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/sectio n_two/ue-pros.html




Emphasizes the equal rights and importance of every person.
Protects the rights of the minority from the majority.
Focuses on following moral principles rather than producing specific results.
 http://nefe.danielsfund.org/ethics/sectio n_three/dbe-pros.html


What were the names of the two philosophers that developed
Utilitarianism
› Jeremy Bentham
› John Stuart Mill


Name two things Mill emphasizes on importance of liberty?
› freedom of speech,
› the right to privacy,


Name one of the Ethical Dilemmas
› Death Penalty
› War in Iraq