Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialsim ethical philosophy that helps us decide what we ought to do in moral dilemmas. Initially developed by the English philosopher Jeremy Bentham, it was later refined by John Stuart Mill. The decisions that ought to be made are the ones that create the most happiness. Bentham explained that calculating a decision’s potential for producing “happiness” for people is essential in making morally righteous decisions. The concept is known as the “greatest happiness principle,” and it is summed up with the saying, “the greatest good for the greatest number.” Later on, Mill took the liberty of distinguishing the qualities that might make a particular happiness better than another type of happiness.
How prevalent is Utilitarianism in our society? It is certainly an applicable theory, but how/when/where is it applied? Our meeting will examine those questions. Peter Singer has been on the forefront of using utilitarian arguments for advancing his ideas, and validating such ideas such as charity.
When/Where : Thursday, 04/29/10, 11:15. HSS-152.
