UTILITARIANISM

VED - 102

DEFINITION

- is a moral and ethical theory that emphasizes maximizing utility or happiness as

the ultimate goal of human action.
- is originated in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly associated with
philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
- posits that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, which is often
understood as happiness or pleasure, and minimizes suffering or pain.
- The central idea is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of
people.

Utility
- The term "utility" typically refers to the usefulness or practical value of
something.
- It is often used to describe how well something serves a particular
purpose or meets a specific need. For example, when discussing
consumer goods or services, utility might refer to the satisfaction or
benefit that individuals derive from using or consuming those products.
- In economics, utility is a concept used to measure the satisfaction or
happiness that individuals derive from consuming goods and services. It
is often quantified in terms of "utils" or "utils of happiness," though utility is
generally considered to be subjective and difficult to measure precisely.

Overall, in its normal meaning, utility refers to the usefulness, satisfaction, or

benefit that something provides in fulfilling a particular purpose or meeting a
certain need.

Key principles of utilitarianism include:

Principle of Utility: The principle of utility states that actions are morally right if they
produce the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure and minimize unhappiness or
pain. Utility is often quantified in terms of pleasure and pain, with the goal being to
maximize overall happiness.

Consequentialism: Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism, meaning that the

morality of an action is judged by its consequences rather than inherent qualities. In
other words, the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on the outcomes it brings
about.
Hedonistic Calculus: Jeremy Bentham proposed a method called the "hedonistic
calculus" for calculating the moral value of actions based on the intensity, duration,
certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent of pleasure or pain they produce. This
approach aims to quantify the consequences of actions to determine their overall utility.

Maximization of Utility: Utilitarianism seeks to maximize overall utility, often

understood as the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. This principle
guides decision-making in utilitarian ethics, with the goal of achieving the best possible
outcome for society as a whole.

TYPES

1. Act Utilitarianism: This form of utilitarianism, associated with philosophers like

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, evaluates the morality of individual
actions based on the principle of producing the greatest amount of happiness or
pleasure for the greatest number of people. In act utilitarianism, each action is
assessed independently, and the one that maximizes utility is considered morally
right, regardless of rules or precedents.
a. Jeremy Bentham: Often regarded as the founder of utilitarianism,
Bentham developed the theory of act utilitarianism, which evaluates the
morality of individual actions based on their consequences in maximizing
overall utility or happiness.
b. John Stuart Mill: Mill expanded upon Bentham's work and is known for his
influential contributions to utilitarianism. He advocated for a more
nuanced version of utilitarianism that considers the quality of pleasures
and the importance of individual rights and liberties.

2. Rule Utilitarianism: Rule utilitarianism, developed partly in response to perceived

flaws in act utilitarianism, suggests that the principle of utility is best applied by
following general rules or principles that, when consistently adhered to, lead to
the greatest overall happiness. Unlike act utilitarianism, which focuses on the
consequences of individual actions, rule utilitarianism emphasizes the
importance of rules that, when universally followed, tend to maximize utility.
a. Henry Sidgwick: Sidgwick was a 19th-century philosopher who developed
the theory of rule utilitarianism. He argued that following general rules or
principles that tend to maximize overall utility is a more practical and
reliable approach to ethical decision-making than assessing the
consequences of each individual action.
b. R.M. Hare: Hare was a 20th-century philosopher who further developed
rule utilitarianism, particularly in his work on universal prescriptivism. He
 emphasized the importance of moral rules that can be consistently
applied and universally accepted.

3. Preference Utilitarianism: This variant of utilitarianism focuses on maximizing

the satisfaction of preferences or desires rather than pleasure or happiness.
Advocates argue that fulfilling individuals' preferences leads to the greatest
overall well-being. In preference utilitarianism, the morally right action is the one
that satisfies the most preferences or desires, regardless of whether it produces
happiness or pleasure.
a. Peter Singer: Singer is a contemporary philosopher known for his work on
ethics and animal rights. He has advocated for a form of preference
utilitarianism, which prioritizes the satisfaction of preferences or desires
as the basis for moral decision-making.
b. R.M. Hare (again): Hare also contributed to preference utilitarianism,
particularly in his exploration of the role of preferences in moral reasoning
and decision-making.

4. Negative Utilitarianism: Negative utilitarianism prioritizes minimizing suffering or

unhappiness over maximizing happiness or pleasure. Proponents argue that
reducing suffering is more important than increasing pleasure, and therefore, the
morally right action is the one that minimizes harm or negative outcomes.
a. Karl Popper: Popper, known primarily as a philosopher of science,
proposed a form of negative utilitarianism that prioritizes minimizing
suffering or harm over maximizing happiness or pleasure. He argued that
reducing suffering should be the primary focus of ethical decision-making.
b. David Pearce: Pearce is a contemporary philosopher and transhumanist
known for his advocacy of negative utilitarianism, particularly in the
context of reducing suffering through advancements in biotechnology and
other means.

SIGNIFICANCE

Here are some ways utilitarian principles might be applied in values education:

Curriculum Development: Utilitarianism might influence decisions about what values to

prioritize in the curriculum. Rather than emphasizing abstract or subjective values,
educators might focus on teaching values that contribute to the overall happiness and
well-being of students and society. This could include values such as empathy,
compassion, fairness, and respect for diversity, which are believed to promote positive
social outcomes and individual flourishing.
Teaching Methods: Utilitarian principles might also inform teaching methods and
approaches in values education. Educators might prioritize methods that are most
effective in promoting understanding, empathy, and moral reasoning among students.
This could involve experiential learning activities, discussions of real-world ethical
dilemmas, and opportunities for students to engage in service learning or community
projects aimed at promoting social good.

Assessment and Evaluation: Utilitarianism could influence how student learning and
progress are assessed in values education. Rather than focusing solely on academic
achievement, assessments might also consider students' development of moral
character, empathy, and ethical decision-making skills. This might involve evaluating
students' ability to apply ethical principles in real-life situations, demonstrate empathy
and concern for others, and contribute to the well-being of their communities.

School Policies and Practices: Utilitarianism might guide decision-making around

school policies and practices that impact students' well-being and moral development.
This could include policies related to discipline, bullying prevention, inclusion of diverse
perspectives in the curriculum, and promotion of a positive school climate. Decisions
would be evaluated based on their potential to maximize overall happiness and well-
being for students and the broader school community.

Community Engagement: Utilitarianism might also inform efforts to engage parents,

community members, and other stakeholders in values education initiatives. Schools
might seek input from the community on the values they believe are most important to
promote in education, and collaborate with community organizations to reinforce
shared values and promote positive social change.

Overall, utilitarianism provides a framework for educators to consider the broader social
consequences of their decisions and actions in values education, with the ultimate goal
of promoting the greatest overall happiness and well-being for students and society.

LUMANTAO, VENGIE A.
MARCH 2024