utilitarianisms

Utilitarianism is a family of normative ethical theories that prescribe actions that maximize overall happiness or well-being. The term "utilitarianism" comes from the Latin word "utilitas," which means "usefulness" or "utility." The core principle of utilitarianism is the "greatest happiness principle," which states that the morally right action is the one that produces the most happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people. This principle can be applied in various ways, leading to different forms of utilitarianism.

Act utilitarianism, also known as rule utilitarianism, focuses on the rules or policies that lead to the greatest overall happiness. It evaluates the morality of an action based on the consequences of following a rule rather than the specific action itself. Rule utilitarianism is often associated with the work of philosopher John Stuart Mill, who argued that the only principle of right which can be laid down is that injury to any one is wrong, and that the greatest happiness of the greatest number is what we ought to seek.

Consequentialist utilitarianism, on the other hand, evaluates the morality of an action based solely on its outcomes, regardless of the intentions behind the action. This form of utilitarianism is often associated with the work of philosopher Jeremy Bentham, who argued that the moral worth of an action is determined by its consequences.

Utilitarianism has been both praised and criticized throughout history. Proponents argue that it provides a clear and objective standard for moral decision-making, while critics contend that it can lead to morally unacceptable outcomes, such as the "trolley problem," where a utilitarian might choose to sacrifice one person to save many others. Despite these criticisms, utilitarianism remains a significant and influential ethical theory in philosophy and beyond.