The philosophy of utilitarianism, a consequentialist approach of ethics developed by ethicists Bentham and John Stuart Mill, argues that the optimal action is the one that increases overall happiness or satisfaction. Central to this school of thought is the "Greatest Happiness Principle," which claims that deeds are ethically correct if they promote pleasure and wrong if they cause the reverse. Utilitarianism judges the rightness of an act based on its result, making it a realistic approach to ethical decision-making.
This school of thought confronts traditional moral systems that prioritize duties or principles, conversely advocating for a adaptable strategy that weighs the results of decisions. Advocates of utilitarianism argue that by prioritizing the highest well-being for the greatest number, the community can reach a higher overall level of well-being. This concept has been used in multiple domains, including economics, political science, and policy-making, affecting actions that aim to improve public well-being and lessen hardship.
The utilitarian approach also addresses the challenges of quantifying and weighing well-being. Critics argue that it can be challenging to measure happiness and that this method may ignore the individual freedoms and value of people. Nevertheless, proponents believe that utilitarianism provides a clear and objective method for evaluating ethical philosophy dilemmas, promoting a more compassionate and pragmatic approach to ethics. By prioritizing the results of deeds and seeking to increase overall pleasure, utilitarianism offers a compelling vision for achieving a just and just world.