Ethical Theories

Greatest Good for the Greatest Number: This is the core principle. An action is considered morally right if it results in the most happiness and the least suffering for the largest number of people affected by it. This often involves a calculation where the total happiness is weighed against the total unhappiness caused by a decision.

Related Concepts from Literature

Beyond the core concepts, a deeper look into utilitarian literature reveals other important ideas.

Act Utilitarianism vs. Rule Utilitarianism:

Act Utilitarianism (Bentham) focuses on the consequences of individual actions. In a specific situation, one should choose the action that will produce the greatest good. For example, an act utilitarian might argue that lying to save a life is morally right because the outcome (a life saved) outweighs the negative of the lie.

Rule Utilitarianism (Mill) focuses on the consequences of general rules. It argues that we should follow a rule that, if generally followed, would lead to the greatest good. A rule utilitarian would say that the rule "do not lie" should always be followed because, in the long run, it leads to a more trustworthy and beneficial society.

Hedonic Calculus: Developed by Jeremy Bentham, this is a method for calculating the amount of pleasure or pain an action is likely to produce. It's a quantitative approach that considers factors like the intensity, duration, certainty, and a number of people affected by the action. While complex, it highlights utilitarianism's attempt to be a systematic, measurable ethical framework.

Sample Answer

Utilitarianism: Core Concepts

The ethical theory I've chosen is utilitarianism. Its core concept is that the most ethical choice is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. It's a form of consequentialism, meaning that the morality of an action is judged solely by its outcome or consequences.

Utility/Pleasure/Happiness: This is the central concept. Utility is defined as the net benefit or happiness produced by an action. Early utilitarians like Jeremy Bentham defined it in terms of pleasure and the absence of pain. Later, John Stuart Mill expanded this to include higher, intellectual pleasures, arguing they have more value than purely physical ones. The goal of any action is to maximize this utility.