Classical utilitarian theories have it that "happiness should be maximised" as a basis of morality

(Bentham, Mill, Sidgwick).

So, if need be, there would be a balancing act of weighing up benefits vs. disbenefits to produce the
largest net benefit

Features of utilitarianism
- monistic; one supreme principles governs all moral questions (the maximisation of welfare (as
phrased by Simmonds)
- it has a maximand; it maximises a single goal (classically, this goal is happiness conceptualised as
balancing pleasure over pain)
- is a form of consequentialism, so, it's future-looking
- inidividualistic, concerned with the impact on the lives of individuals

Why be a utilitarian?
1. It is beneficial to follow as a moral philosophy. This is opposed by certain lines of critical
reasoning
2. It is suitable as guidance for the decision of those who exercise public power such as
legislators/judges even if not the moral principle

Dworkin says that utilitarianism's "equal concern and respect" is misguided and inadequate and that
these qualities are better suited to a
theory of individual rights

Utilitarianism can be compared to the aristotelain approach to ethics in prioritising the "good" over
the "right" however it seeks to overcome the
contentiousness of the conception of "good". So, though we may disagree on certain goods, it may
conceal actual agreement on a common goal; happiness for example.
We may agree, at the base level, that happiness is paramount, but disagree as to how this should be
attained.
In terms of a public conception of justice, the diverse range of preferences can be handled by
utilitarianism's proposed language of "welfare",
"happiness", "pleasure" and the like.
So, in a morally pluralistic society, utilitarianism can be a suitable conception as it will not privilege
any particular moral ideas, only judge
things on its merits or demerits in terms of the maximand. Bentham, thought to be a founding father
of utilitarianism, thought of utilitarianism in this conception;
one to guide public power rather for "private ethical reflection".

So, in terms of a: moral philosophy, utilitarianism tells you what you ought to do.
a: conception of justice, utilitarianism seeks to satisfy a need for shared criterion,
objectivity and neutrality through its principle of utility

PROBLEMS
Problem 1 - Bentham held conventional moral opinions to be uncertain and offered utility and
determinate. But a problem lies in quantifying welfare since it may apply to
differently to different individuals and philosophers doubt whether "interpersonal comparisons of
utility" is sensible to engage in.
Problem 2 - It may be difficult to predict the future
Problems 3 - doesnt show concern for distribution type only net amount. so, a skewed distribution
can be accepted under utilitarianism.
however this can be countered by applying the rule of diminishing marginal utility; so
welfare is maximised by an equal distribution
 rather than a skewed one

Types of Utilitarianism

Rule Utilitarianism - One should reference rules (which are justified on the basis of utility) rather
than reference the principle directly
Ideal Rule
Actual Rule
Government House Utilitarianism

Act Utilitarianism

Preference Utilitarianism - the maximand here is the extent to which people can obtain their own
preferences. So each individual can be the judge of their own interests