A consequentialist theory is a type of normative ethical theory wherein the key determinant of whether an action is the right one, is the result of the action itself. Utilitarianism is a type of consequentialist ethical theory in which the utilitarian argues that the right action, is the action which augments the pleasure that is experienced by the actors involved (Bentham, 1994). In this essay, I will first elaborate upon the technical terms and other semantic variances which are specific to utilitarianism, before formalising utilitarian arguments such as hedonism and preference satisfaction utilitarianism. Furthermore, I will discuss objections towards the utilitarian argument, specifically the issues that arise regarding justice and rights.
