Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism developed between the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries from social ideas in British moral philosophy. Its purpose is to seek “[|the greatest happiness of the greatest number]”. Part of ethical theory is to clarify that the greatest happiness is determined through our actions, “right in proportion as we tend to promote happiness, wrong as we tend to produce the reverse of happiness” (p. 9-10). Thus, Utilitarianism maximizes value for promoting happiness and reducing disutility.
 * Classical Utilitarianism**

Utilitarianism is developed from two philosophers’ theories; Jeremy Bentham(1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill(1806-73). Bentham systematized the principles of utilitarianism in his book, //[|Introduction to the principle of morals and legislation]//(1789), and thus becoming one of the most representative philosophers of Utilitarianism. He believed that the natural tendency of a human being is based on the individual’s interest in increasing his or her their pleasure and reducing their pain. This behaviour would bring the most happiness to society. He disagreed with Mill’s on the quality of happiness and maintained that the value of pleasure can be evaluated through seven measures: “intensity, duration, certainty or uncertainty, propinquity or remoteness, fecundity, purity and extent” (p.10). Bentham believed that people can misunderstand their own interests and can make mistakes thus choosing less pleasure and happiness; therefore, legislation would indicate people to find real happiness. Utilitarian principles state legal requirements should be observed in all individuals’ acts and social behaviours because individual pleasures do not always to everyone. Bentham suggested legal requirements provide “the most reliable guide to their happiness” (p.11).

J.S. Mill suggested that there is a distinction between high pleasure and low pleasure. We should desire the higher pleasures such as reading poetry, which engage the intellect. To determine which pleasure is better needs a competent judge “who is qualified by knowledge of both” (p.15). One of his famous quotes illustrates this concept: “It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied” (P.14). His utilitarian theory focuses on the importance of the minds of human beings and individual ability to tell right from wrong. Mill suggests that we can think and feel to our way desirable ends, such as respect for others. Mill believed everyone has equal freedom of expression: “Representative democracy is the best way to keep rulers honest, and to keep them focused on the interest of the majority” (p.31).

The Utilitarian Theory of ethics is divided into two parts: [|Act Utilitarianism]and [|Rule Utilitarianism]. Act utilitarianism is that individual acts, whether right or wrong, are judged on their outcomes. This concept accepts torturing terrorists to find the locations where the bombs detonated because it would save many people’s lives. The Rule utilitarianism is general rules provide people the best consequences and happiness in their practical lives. For example, obeying traffic rules prevents accidents and speeds up the flow of traffic.

Utilitarianism suggests ‘the greatest happiness of the greatest number’ depends on both individual consciences and legislative principles. It maintains that law and legislation should judge individuals’ interests and acts in order to protect common happiness within society.