Historical Background to Utilitarianism Aim: To examine the key events in history that surround utilitarianism
The Enlightenment Key scholars in this era were Voltaire and David Hume They expressed great optimism in humanity’s intellectual powers. Reason, empiricism and human autonomy were placed over and above metaphysical belief and God
The Enlightenment and Utilitarianism Utilitarianism rejects God as the author of morality. God’s existence cannot be scientifically proven They reject the Bible as a source of authority with the principle of utility – as no one can doubt the reality of pleasure and pain
The French Revolution The 1789 French Revolution was the challenge of the majority against the minority. Rousseau said “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity” The political structure of France changed so that the majority of the poor could enjoy a certain living standard
Victorian Britain. England was class ridden with great poverty. Charles Dicken’s novels reflect the poverty; debtor prisons; child labour and the subjugation of women. The founders of utilitarianism campaigned for social change- they promoted structural change to enable the majority of people to live fulfilled and happy lives