Comparing the Utility of Bentham and Mill Essay - 1927 Words

Comparing the Utility of Bentham and Mill utility \U*tili*ty\, n. [OE. utilite, F. utilit[e], L. utilitas, fr. utilis useful. See Utile.] †¦ 3. Happiness; the greatest good, or happiness, of the greatest number, -- the foundation of utilitarianism. --J. S. Mill. Syn: Usefulness; advantageous; benefit; profit; avail; service. (www.dictionary.com) One of the major players in ethical theories has long been the concept of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism states that in general the ethical rightness or wrongness of an action is directly related to the utility of that action. Utility is more specifically defined as a measure of the goodness or badness of the consequences of an action (see quote by Mill above). For the†¦show more content†¦Though the terms act and rule utility came after the time of Bentham and Mill, it can still be noted that Bentham was clearly an act utilitarian and the Mill was a rule utilitarian. This paper will cover two subjects of discussion related to utility, Bentham, and Mill. The first is a consideration of the way in which Bentham goes about reconciling the ethical hedonist he promotes with the psychological egoistic hedonism he endorses. The second is really three smaller issues: the way Bentham and Mill would direct us to apply the principle of utility, how this is comparable to the empl oyment of the hedonistic calculus, and the possibility that the differences in their views may make us come to different moral decisions. II. There are four distinguishable sources from which pleasure and pain are in use to flow: considered separately, they may be termed the physical, the political, the moral, and the religious:†¦(Bentham, 382) Bentham promotes ethical hedonism in some of his writings. Ethical hedonism can be stated as: that action is right which promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number. However, Bentham believes that the world seems in reality to mostly composed of people more closely aligned with psychological egoistic hedonism, which believes that which is right is that which brings the most happiness to the self. Clearly,Show MoreRelatedJohn Locke And David Hume1135 Words   |  5 PagesJeremy Bentham was an English philosopher in 18th century London, England. Influenced by the works of John Locke and David Hume, he brought up a philosophical theory that derives from an empirical viewpoint, which means theorizes that all knowledge are obtained through our sense experience. Bentham was considered as the founder of utilitarianism which he defines as, â€Å"the ethical doctrine that virtue is based upon utility and that behavior should have as its goal the procurement of the greatest ha ppinessRead MoreExplanation of the Utilitarian Ethical Theory Essay1417 Words   |  6 Pagescan be a very cold approach for those who belong to the minority in a society. This is because the principle of utility says that â€Å"we ought to do that which produces the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people (MacKinnon, 32).† To examine utilitarianism we first need to look at the word, this is where we find the word â€Å"utility† imbedded into it. Utility, by mathematical definition, is â€Å"a measure of the total benefit or disadvantage attaching to each of a set of alternativeRead MoreUtilitarians Ethic and Politics: What is the Purpose of Human Life?1655 Words   |  7 PagesUtilitarian ethic and philosophy can answer to Wonder Womans struggle. But first lets see what Utilitarianism is. -Utilitarianism The Utilitarianism is the theory which fund the morality on the utility, and affirms that the true utilitity for and individual cant not always get along with the general utility. The utilitarianism fixes as a starting point the thought which recognize that one of the condition of human nature is to think firstly about his own interests: the morality consists in recognizeRead MoreKey Features of Utilitarianism Essay1189 Words   |  5 Pagestheory of Utilitarianism is based on the concept of utility, a theory of usefulness. Utilitarianism is a system of morality that generates us with what the most useful thing to do in different situations and outcomes. Different Utilitarian approaches to morality have emerged each with their own theory of good and community of concerning individuals. Featuring the main influential contributors to this theory are Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. There are two types of theories, teleological andRead MoreHw1 Solution Essay1317 Words   |  6 Pa gesother words, use the form: A B C D E Answer: D E A∠¼B C, or D E B∠¼A C. 10 2 2. Consider an economic agent who has preferences that are represented by the utility function: u(x, y) = √ xy (a) for each pair of bundles A and B, indicate whether A B , A B, or A ∠¼ B (but of course change the letters according to the bundles you are comparing). A B A(4,7) B(7,10) C(8,4) D(2,8) E(7,3) F(6,9) G(10,10) H(9,6) B C F G A D E H (b) Using the bundles in (a.), make a list that orders the bundlesRead MoreThe Argument On The Theory Of Utilitarianism891 Words   |  4 PagesMill has the view that there is a general misconception regarding the use of the term â€Å"Utilitarianism.† Most people refer to it when comparing between wrong and right in a restricted manner that is divergent to pleasure. The opponents of utilitarianism often attach everything with the element of pleasure; thus, contributing to denouncing the theory. However, the proponents of the theory of utilitarianism such as Epicurus and Bentham asserted that it was pleasure in itself and the exclusion of painRead MoreComparing Aristotle And John Stuart Mill1130 Words   |  5 Pageshowever I intend to concentrate of the famous works of Aristotle, Immanuel Kant, and John Stuart Mill. After meticulously analyzing each of the above philosophers’ texts, I personally prefer the position of utilitarian and Benthamite, John Stuart Mill. A fter comparing and contrasting the positions and reasonings of these philosophers, I will demonstrate my own reasons why I have chosen John Stuart Mill as the most established in his theory of the role of pleasure in morality. Aristotle was a particularlyRead MoreEssay on The Golden Rule in Kant and Mills Ethical Theories1320 Words   |  6 Pagespeople consider good or bad and right or wrong. It is a theory dealing with values that relate to human behaviour; with respect to their actions and purpose. The two most important philosophers that deal with ethics are Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. Kant’s ethical theory is Kantianism or deontological ethics. Mill’s ethical theory is utilitarianism. Both philosophers’ theories have many differences; Kant’s theory deals with conduct, seeking reason for good action in duty. Mill’s theory dealsRead MoreDescribe the Main Principles of the Two Normative Ethical Theories of Deontology and Utilitarianism. Compare and Contrast the Two Theories, Bringing Out Any Problems or Limitations You See in Each.1652 Words   |  7 Pagesout any problems or limitations you see in each. Bioethics Essay †¢ Intro: Define ethics and define and introduce the two theories. (philosophical theories†¦) †¢ Utilitarianism- example †¢ Deontology- example- compare †¢ comparing- evaluating and critically analyzing*- similarities and differences. †¢ Limitations and positives* †¢ Conclusion- summary of essay and own opinion, remember to justify your own views with reasons – don’t just state your opinions withoutRead MoreCorporate Social Responsibility : Bp Leased A Rig From Transocean1016 Words   |  5 Pagessustain profits and give BP a competitive advantage. Using Friedman’s analysis, we also need to ask whether the BP’s actions were legal. Now that the calamitous spill has happened, the regulatory environment is in flux. Question: 2 According to Bentham and Mill Utilitarianism theory focuses on the consequences of an action. The moral action is that which produces the greatest good for the greatest number. In other words, the happiness and general well-being of the majority should take priority over