 Focuses on the consequences that actions or policies have on the well- being ("utility") of all persons directly or indirectly affected by the action or policy. 

 The principle states: "Of any two actions, the most ethical one will produce the greatest balance of benefits over harms." 

 Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832): › Jeremy Bentham believes that happiness is the pleasure over pain. › wo/ue.html wo/ue.html

 The first obligation is to not let people suffer needlessly.  The second obligation is to encourage abundance, both of wealth and of population.  ntham.htm ntham.htm

 John Stuart Mill (1806–1873): › Expanded the philosophy by asking “does the actions produce the greatest good for the greatest number.”

 Follows after Bentham, takes utilitarianism in a new direction.  Mill is sometimes considered the first rule utilitarian.  Believes that there are high and low types of happiness.

 “Liberty” › he has a decidedly rule utilitarian emphasis on the importance of : › Liberty: The freedom to act or believe without being stopped by unnecessary force. › freedom of speech, › the right to privacy, › a right to free trade, › and severe limitations on the rights of society over the individual's independence › eories.html eories.html

 War in Iraq › Mills Theory of Liberty › We’re defending our country to prevent an attack so, more innocent people aren’t killed.

 Death Penalty › Prevent riots › Comforts family members › Prevents them from killing again

 Cannot assign a quantitative measure to all pleasures and pains.  Does not address the issue of some pleasures and pains that cannot or should not be measured—such as human life or human suffering.  n_two/ue-pros.html n_two/ue-pros.html

 Suggests the ends justify the means. Would lying or cheating be considered ethical if the end result is positive?  n_two/ue-pros.html n_two/ue-pros.html

 Emphasizes the equal rights and importance of every person.  Protects the rights of the minority from the majority.  Focuses on following moral principles rather than producing specific results.  n_three/dbe-pros.html n_three/dbe-pros.html

 What were the names of the two philosophers that developed Utilitarianism › Jeremy Bentham › John Stuart Mill

 Name two things Mill emphasizes on importance of liberty? › freedom of speech, › the right to privacy,

 Name one of the Ethical Dilemmas › Death Penalty › War in Iraq