Utilitarianism Research

UTILITARIANISM

In the field of ethics , utilitarianism as a theory has been defined as the theory that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its usefulness in bringing about the most happiness of all those affected by it ( Utilitarianism . According to this theory , the rightness or wrongness of a thing or action is dependent on its ability to bring happiness to a greater number of people . This springs from the belief that since the ultimate objective of every individual is to attain happiness , then that which makes a person

happy is most useful and helpful . The renowned philosophers who have endorsed this theory are Jeremy Bentham , David Hume and John Stuart Mill . As can be seen from their works , happiness is considered as their yardstick for determining utility and rightness of a certain thing or action

The views of said philosophers have influenced , not only the thinking of other people , but also the formation of different laws and regulations . His ideas on utility and happiness do not only affect philosophy , but also implementation of certain rules and guidelines affecting society . As correctly stated in an article about the life and works of Bentham entitled Jeremy Bentham : His Life and Impact

His ideas formed the foundation for the Napoleonic code , the type of law used by most countries--but for the Britain and colonies . Bentham campaigned for social and political reforms in all areas , most notably the criminal law . He formulated the principle of utility , which approves of an action in so far as an action has an overall tendency to promote the greatest amount of happiness

For Hume , some principles on morality cannot simply be defended or justified . Some of said principles have been accepted because it felt right or appeared right for them to be accepted due to the fact that said principles promote the interests of many and they bring greater happiness to the people in general ( David Hume . John Stuart Mill on the other hand , advances the theory that happiness cannot be considered in its general sense . This is in opposition to the view of Bentham that all kinds of happiness should be treated with equality John Stuart Mill believes that certain forms of happiness should be placed in a higher scale than the others . Hence , the rightness or wrongness of a thing should be based on the level or importance given to a certain form of happiness

The theory advances a sound idea yet it must be borne in mind that application of said theory has its own consequences . For instances , a certain act may have the ability to make a number of people happy , yet it can also bring negative feelings or emotions to other people . So also , the importance given to a certain form of happiness may vary from one person to another . Hence , it is not easy to determine whether a certain act is absolutely capable of bringing about happiness Ultimately , it is difficult to establish if a certain act is...