Manuel Mata Hernandez

Professor Lu

Poli 316

10/24/18

Utilitarianism Theory

Throughout the semester we have studied a variety of different ideologies in relation to

political foundation systems, ethics and different ideologies in relation to existing systems. One

such ideology we have looked into is that of Utilitarianism, focusing on the overall concept of

the theory, its implications, and relations to the political systems. However, to fully understand

its implications and impacts on a society as a whole, one must look into the theory overall as

well as in context with virtue ethics.

The theory of Utilitarianism can be summarized with one simple idea. The “right” thing,

action, or choice is the one that optimizes the balance of benefits over the harms for all

affected. In simpler terms, it is put into the definition of the Principle of Utility, or “that which

produces the greatest good, or ‘utility’, for the greatest amount of people” (Bentham). Jeremy

Bentham believed it was human nature to seek to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

Following Bentham’s work, a student of his teachings, John Stuart Mill, expanded on such

concepts, arguing that those rights granted to mankind were underwritten by utility. To that

extent, if a purported right or duty is harmful to others, then according to Mill, it can be proven

to not be genuine.

John Stuart Mill’s internal sanctions, or the internal feelings of humans that not just feel

for oneself internally, but for others, the concept of virtue ethics can be related. Virtue ethics is
the field of study in which the role of one’s character, and the virtues one’s character

embodies, are fundamental in evaluating ethical behavior. Among its main proponents is the

famous philosopher Aristotle. In fact, Aristotle argued that virtues are not so much taught as

they are learned by example, observation and practice. While virtue ethics focus on the good of

character, and the consequences of actions, they partially relate to the theory of Utilitarianism.

Utilitarianism focuses its theory on the concept of pleasure instead pf pain, of utility for

the masses. Such a framework institutes aspects of virtue ethics, by feeling for others and

orienting towards a decision with the most utility for the most people. One classic example of

such a concept is the classic medical dilemma, in which the participant is put in a circumstance

where allowing one person who is beyond help die in order to save another five. By utilitarianist

standards, the solution is the one that maximizes the most good for the most people, in this

case choosing to save five at the cost of one. When evaluating such a decision, it is clear how

virtue ethics also come into play, in which the justification is the maximized utility. To

understand this, one must first accept the fact that lives will be lost in the scenario. With that

understanding in mind, it is clear that the morally right thing to do is to save the most lives

possible, at the lowest cost. This duty to do the right thing, one of the key essences of virtue

ethics, is in line with the utilitarian model. By saving the most people, you are fulfilling your

obligation the duty and morality, for one’s self and for those affected.

In conclusion, the idea of utilitarianism is the theory prioritizing the most good for the

most amount of people. Almost by default, in many circumstances, it falls into virtue ethics,

fulfilling the moral choice and fulfilling one’s duty. These actions often come with a cost-benefit
analysis, and while suffering can often be included, the moral thing to do is to follow the

utilitarian model and maximize the pleasure, while minimizing the pain.