Utilitarianism
Also known as: utilitarian ethics
- 1Prescribes actions that maximize happiness and well-being.
- 2Founded by the philosopher Jeremy Bentham.
- 3Evaluates morality based on the greatest good for the greatest number.
- 4Defines utility as the production of benefits or the prevention of harm.
Utilitarianism is a family of theories in normative ethics that prescribe actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the affected individuals.
Connections1
Alternative ethical framework for defining collective benefit
Utilitarianism seeks the greatest good for the greatest number, which is often contrasted with the common good's focus on the flourishing of the entire community as a whole.
Utilitarianism is a prominent school of thought in normative ethics that advocates for actions that maximize overall happiness and well-being. The central objective is to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people, evaluating the morality of an action based on its consequences.
Odwzorowanie teoretycznej matrycy decyzji z artykułu Utilitarianism and New Generations autorstwa Hermanna Vettera.Wikimedia Commons; Laen1; Own work; CC BY-SA 4.0; Wikimedia Commons: Category:UtilitarianismLidl headquarters, Stiftsbergstrasse, NeckarsulmWikimedia Commons; Pimvantend; Own work; CC BY-SA 3.0; Wikimedia Commons: Category:UtilitarianismSmall logo describing utilitarianism.Wikimedia Commons; Xodarap00; Own work; CC BY-SA 3.0; Wikimedia Commons: Category:Utilitarianism Jeremy Bentham, the founder of this theory, defined utility as the capacity of an action or object to produce benefits like pleasure and happiness, or to prevent negative outcomes like pain and suffering. While various forms of utilitarianism exist, they all share the fundamental goal of maximizing this utility for those affected.