Utilitarianism

Definition

An ethical framework that prioritizes actions that maximize happiness or utility for the greatest number of people.

Key Features

• Consequentialism: The morality of actions depends on their outcomes.
• Hedonic Calculus: Weighing pleasure and pain to determine the best action.
• Distinctions: Act utilitarianism evaluates individual acts; rule utilitarianism applies general principles.

Real World Examples

• Allocating limited medical resources to treatments that benefit the most patients.

Applications

• Public Policy: Crafting laws for the common good.
• Business Ethics: Balancing profit with social responsibility.
• Economics: Cost-benefit analysis.