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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 12 page paper examines the theory of Utilitarianism. The differences and similarities between Act and Rule Utilitarianism are discussed. The models promoted by Bentham and Mill are also included and they are compared and contrasted. Bibliography lists 7 sources.
Page Count:
12 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA541U.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
to run the world is to make sure that the quantity of happiness is maximized. This means that the quality of happiness, or its precise distribution, is not as important
as the total amount of happiness in the world. Central to Utilitarianism is the premise that it is ideal to achieve the greatest happiness for the greatest number (McLeish, 1995).
This philosophy has been criticized for many reasons but a major area of concern is how one can measure happiness to begin with. One problem is demonstrated by an
example. If a society exists where half of the population is in ecstasy while the other half are totally miserable, this would not be desirable under the utilitarian concept; a
society where neither group is either would be preferred (McLeish, 1995). Since the greatest quantity of happiness is what is most important, the distribution is not much to be concerned
about (McLeish, 1995). Of course, that it just a broad outline of utilitarianism. Jeremy Bentham founded the theory and John Stuart Mill picked up on it, but each philosopher
in his own right has something to contribute. Jeremy Bentham did in fact come up with perhaps the earliest fully developed
system of utilitarianism, of which two prominent features are noteworthy ("Utilitarianism," 2005). Not only did he develop the theory, but he was a great legal reformer as well
(Roazen, 1996). Bentham suggested that the consequences of every action people perform be counted and this would determine whether an action is either morally right or wrong ("Utilitarianism,"
2005). That aspect of Benthams theory is considered to be act utilitarianism ("Utilitarianism," 2005). Rule utilitarianism on the other hand suggests that the rules are most important. For example,
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