Utilitarianism is a moral theory where actions are evaluated by the consequences of that action. The most moral action is the one that brings the most happiness to the most people involved. This is difficult to ascertain, because one must make assumptions about the feelings of others involved. I will enjoy seeing my sister and niece and their families and feel certain that they will be happy to see me. Because my aunt invited me, I will assume that she will enjoy seeing me. To give this decision a numerical score, I will use the utilitarian calculus2, and score based on what I believe will be the pleasure or pain for all those in attendance. The utilitarian calculus was developed by philosopher Jeremy Bentham to determine which action is morally …show more content…
I could tell the truth, that I do not wish to attend the family gathering because it causes me much discomfort. Telling the truth would be moral but it would not be virtuous. To be virtuous I should act out of respect and concern for others. I should attend the family gathering to show respect for those who invited me and to spend time with my loved ones to show them that I care about them. Aristotle was a Greek philosopher who believed and taught that through being moral, we are naturally