Utilitarianism is based on the The Greatest Happiness Principle, which states that people should act in accordance towards maximizing one’s pleasure, while minimizing one’s pain. This is also relevant in a communal setting focusing on benefitting the majority of a group. The two philosophers that will be discussed are: Elizabeth Anscombe and Jeremy Bentham. The Anscombian point of view protests against the use of murder as a means to an end. The Bentham-style utilitarian abides by The Greatest Happiness Principle, which believes that murder is justifiable if it benefits the group. This essay will discuss both views in relation to Bernard Williams’ example, Jim and the Indian captives. This essay will conclude that Bentham’s approach to Jim’s case will provide the best results to the situation.
William’s example sets forth an ethical dilemma that may test the utilitarian approach in certain respects. The example is the following; Jim is in South America on a botanical expedition. Accidentally, Jim enters a town where twenty Indians are lined up against a wall for protesting against the government. A captain named Pedro explains that he plans to …show more content…
Bentham states that all actions are quantifiable and should be aimed towards maximizing the pleasure of the individual as well as the group. He uses the utilitarian calculus to mathematically measure the options that will bring optimal pleasure. The 6 measurements include: intensity, duration, uncertainty/certainty, remoteness, fecundity, purity, and extent (Bentham, pg.22). Bentham is a consequentialist believing that one is responsible for foreseeable consequences. If a person has positive intentions, but fails at the attempt of achieving a positive result, then the intention is ignored because pleasure was not
William’s example sets forth an ethical dilemma that may test the utilitarian approach in certain respects. The example is the following; Jim is in South America on a botanical expedition. Accidentally, Jim enters a town where twenty Indians are lined up against a wall for protesting against the government. A captain named Pedro explains that he plans to …show more content…
Bentham states that all actions are quantifiable and should be aimed towards maximizing the pleasure of the individual as well as the group. He uses the utilitarian calculus to mathematically measure the options that will bring optimal pleasure. The 6 measurements include: intensity, duration, uncertainty/certainty, remoteness, fecundity, purity, and extent (Bentham, pg.22). Bentham is a consequentialist believing that one is responsible for foreseeable consequences. If a person has positive intentions, but fails at the attempt of achieving a positive result, then the intention is ignored because pleasure was not