The Theory Of Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that is concerned with the maximisation of happiness. This theory is used to decide which course of action can best minimise pain while ensuring the majority benefit; through happiness. Jeremy Bentham introduced utilitarianism as “the greatest happiness of the greatest number [,] that is the measure of right and wrong.” This theory demonstrates a straightforward process to defining what is morally acceptable and which actions should be taken. However, by doing this, utilitarianism does not consider individual scenarios or the emotions that people experience, the theory limits itself to a broad scope of situations. Utilitarianism highlights the benefits of examining a situation from a different point of view …show more content…
Individual variability is an important aspect of society because differences allow us to have talents in different areas. So, when everyone is measured by the same means, it creates a simplified version of a nation’s culture, where differences are unimportant. One’s means of happiness could inhibit and restrict someone to a situation of pain. It also simplifies ethics to happiness and pain; meaning pleasures are the only feature of morals that should be given intrinsic value, or a cause for deciding what is ethically right. With this assumption, happiness is an emotion experiences, primarily, in the face of a current event. So, the long-term repercussions are often ignored for what situation that would bring the most happiness, sooner. This poses as an issue for practical scenarios. For example, if a business relied on utilitarianism, contingency plans would not be seen as ethically correct because the theory fails to consider long term affects. Instead, the business would create strategies that created the most happiness for current situations, such as profit driven plans. In addition, pain and pleasure are measured by the same unit, except pleasure causes one unit to be added, while pain causes one unit to be subtracted. By doing so, it does not highlight the importance of the differing levels of discomfort and pleasure. Therefore, …show more content…
Usually, cultural and personal influences influence an individual’s perspective to the most appropriate or ethically correct course of action. Utilitarianism does not extinguish this completely as these factors would continue to influence individual views to what cause would create happiness. However, it offers the people the ability to view what is morally right from a combined assessment of what is ethically right or evil, instead of on a limited, personal level. It creates the link for an individual to identify what actions cause others happiness or pain and shows that situations are not limited to the affects on us, only. While he consideration of others is needed to decide which action is the most ethically right, it cannot be limited to that. Therefore, utilitarianism does not provide a complete foundation for deciding what is morally