Study. When applying this concept to the consequentialist theory of utilitarianism, it is important to first examine the difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. ``utilitarian’’ theory of the origin of the moral sentiments cannot by itself provide a proof of the ethical doctrine to which I in this treatise restrict the term Utilitarianism. Hedonism. He notes that most people who have experienced both physical and intellectual pleasures tend to greatly prefer the latter. Mill then spends the bulk of Chapter 2 responding to a number of common criticisms of utilitarianism. The act utilitarian maintains that all moral reasons for action are in his terminology action-based. Largely owing to Mill, utilitarianism rapidly became the dominant ethical theory in Anglo-American philosophy. Utilitarianism is a moral theory that claims people should make decisions based on the amount of good it provides to all human beings. Explain Rule Utilitarianism And The Risk It Faces Of Collapsing Back Into Act ... Rule utilitarianism is defined as a theory which dictates that an action can only be defined as good if it leads to good or the end resilt of it is the greater good alt view the full answer. John Stuart Mill's theory of utilitarianism is an ethical landmark that is still popularly taught and utilized today. Mill appreciates the force of this objection and argues. The paper first provides a brief discussion of the two selected moral theories and subsequently analyzes the strengths and weaknesses inherent to each theory. In this class, we will be reading portions from Chapter 2 of Mill's book, On Utilitiarianism. [14], The fifth and longest chapter concludes by discussing what Mill considers "the only real difficulty"[15] with utilitarian ethics: whether it might sometimes license acts of flagrant injustice. Mill argues that these philosophical disputes have not seriously damaged popular morality, largely because conventional morality is substantially, though implicitly, utilitarian. Utilitarianism gets its name … In particular, Mill diverges from Bentham by asserting that there are qualitatively different pleasures, and that these ought to be weighed differently in the course of ethical reasoning. Such a cost-benefit analysis should be impartial — In other words, a decision should equally consider the effects on everyone with no special treatment for your friends, family, or self.. A classic example of utilitarian logic is called the Trolley Problem. conversation) the theory of utilitarianism against the popular morality of the so-called sophist. The stated purpose of John Stuart Mill ’s Utilitarianism is deceptively simple: the author wants to clearly explain his utilitarian ethical philosophy and respond to the most common criticisms of it. Mill's Utilitarianism remains "the most famous defense of the utilitarian view ever written"[16] and is still widely assigned in university ethics courses around the world. Although different varieties of utilitarianism admit different characterizations, the basic idea behind all of them is to in some sense maximize utility, which is often defined in terms of well-being or related concepts. In terms of ethical theories, the importance of utilitarianism theory is critical to see that how things are sorted out in this concept. Few people, he claims, would choose to trade places with an animal, a fool, or an ignoramus for any amount of bodily pleasure they might thereby acquire. Mill defines utilitarianism as a theory based on the principle that "actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness." Chapter please? This is what Bentham and Mill call "the principle of utility" or "the greatest-happiness principle." Not affiliated with Harvard College. These include charges that utilitarianism: In response to the charge that utilitarianism is a doctrine fit only for swine, Mill abandons Bentham's view that pleasures differ only in quantity, not quality. John Stuart Mill's book Utilitarianism is a classic exposition and defence of utilitarianism in ethics. The essay first appeared as a series of three articles published in Fraser's Magazine in 1861 (vol. duty; you must contribute to those experiencing poverty. Utilitarianism is a theory of morality, which advocates actions that foster happiness and opposes actions that cause unhappiness. J. Quantitative utilitarianism, or Benthamite utilitarianism, is a branch of utilitarianism that was developed out of the work of Jeremy Bentham (1747-1832) – an English philosopher, economist, political scientist, legal scholar, and social reformer. Like Bentham, Mill believed that happiness (or pleasure, which both Bentham and Mill equated with happiness) was the only thing humans do and should desire for its own sake. John Stuart Mill 's theory of utilitarianism is an ethical landmark that is still popularly taught and utilized today. Using at least one quote from one of the required readings, briefly explain the ethical theory of utilitarianism. Pleasure or Happiness Is the Only Thing That Truly Has Intrinsic Value. "[3], Mill took many elements of his version of utilitarianism from Jeremy Bentham, the great nineteenth-century legal reformer, who along with William Paley were the two most influential English utilitarians prior to Mill. By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of pleasure."[6]. The ultimate sanction, Mill claims, is internal. Video created by Yale University for the course "Moral Foundations of Politics ". Is Mill's distinction of higher and lower pleasures justified? Explain Benthams Utiliarianism (30 marks) The theory of utilitarianism was put forward entierly by Jeremy Bentham, who wrote about Ethics and Politics. The core of his argument is this: Many critics have claimed that this argument relies on a dubious assumption about how individual happiness is related to the general happiness. A standard response is to retain act utilitarianism, and reject sum-ranking and welfarism. Both Bentham and Mill thus endorse "classical" or "hedonistic" forms of utilitarianism. resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel. Under utilitarinanism you'd kill the one man because it's for the... Utilitarianism explained Mill's treatment of the moral theory which was responsible for much of his philosophy. Bentham’s fundamental axiom states that, “It is the gr… He concludes the chapter by noting that he will not attempt to give a strict "proof" of the greatest-happiness principle. [17] Though some contemporary ethicists would not agree with all elements of Mill's moral philosophy, utilitarianism remains a live option in ethical theory today. Normally we should follow such "secondary principles" without reflecting much on the consequences of our acts. Nevertheless, he claims, "[c]onsiderations may be presented capable of determining the intellect,"[5] which amount to something close to a proof of the principle of utility. Kant's Deontological Ethical Theory: True Moral Enlightenment, Reconciling the Contradictions of Mill’s Preference-based Utilitarianism. Therefore, the general happiness is a good to the aggregate of all persons. Classical and neoclassical utilitarianism are examined in this module starting with the historical context. In the fourth chapter Mill offers his famous quasi-proof of the greatest-happiness principle. In particular, Mill diverges from Bentham by asserting that there are qualitatively different pleasures, and that these … Read ahead. In such cases, is the general happiness a good to those individuals? Utilitarianism is a family of normative ethical theories that prescribe actions that maximize happiness and well-being for all affected individuals. Books. Moral theories are structured as a set of statements used to predict a set of factors or concept. Though heavily criticized both in Mill's lifetime and in the years since, Utilitarianism did a great deal to popularize utilitarian ethics[2] and has been considered "the most influential philosophical articulation of a liberal humanistic morality that was produced in the nineteenth century. John Stuart Mill's book Utilitarianism is a classic exposition and defence of utilitarianism in ethics. Utilitarianism essays are academic essays for citation. Ethical theories have core ideas, principles, and assumptions. Utilitarianism is a theory in normative ethics, or the ethics that define the morality of actions, as proposed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. It is a form of consequentialism. This page was last edited on 21 December 2020, at 14:38. "Utilitarianism Summary". Utilitarianism Discussion Utilitarianism Impartial. I shall, however, hereafter try to show that this psychological theory has an important though subordinate place in the establishment of Ethical Utilitarianism. And since "the sole evidence it is possible to produce that something is desirable, is that people do actually desire it,"[7] it follows that intellectual pleasures (e.g., the pleasures of friendship, art, reading, and conversation) are higher and more desirable kinds of pleasures than bodily pleasures, and that a rational pursuit of one's long-term happiness requires development of one's higher faculties. The strengths of the theory have been very applicable in balancing the costs and benefits in health care. In particular, Mill tried to develop a more refined form of utilitarianism that would harmonize better with ordinary morality and highlight the importance in the ethical life of intellectual pleasures, self-development, high ideals of character, and conventional moral rules. Utilitarianism believes sacrificing one man to save thousands is okay because you maximize the happiness of whole community or the world. Utilitarianism has broadly been categorised as either act utilitarianism, which is the form upon which Bentham founded his hypotheses and rule utilitarianism, which was developed by John Stuart Mill. Utilitarianism is explained infra. Utilitarianism Summary. Other critics have questioned whether it makes sense to speak of aggregates as having desires,[13] or whether the fact that something is desired proves that it is desirable. Wondering what utilitarianism is and how the aforementioned incident is an example of it? Differing Forms. A utilitarian is concerned with how well an action favours the majority and not the far-reaching consequences of that action. 64, p. 391–406, 525–534, 659–673); the articles were collected and reprinted as a single book in 1863. Woodard takes the path less traveled, retaining the utilitarian theory of value but modifying the act consequentialist theory of reasons. [1] Mill's aim in the book is to explain what utilitarianism is, to show why it is the best theory of ethics, and to defend it against a wide range of criticisms and misunderstandings. Mill's Adopted Stance: Is Act or Rule Utilitarianism Better? The essay first appeared as a series of three articles published in Fraser's Magazinein 1861 (vol. [8] Mill argues that traditional moral rules such as "Keep your promises" and "Tell the truth" have been shown by long experience to promote the welfare of society. In the third chapter, Mill asks what "sanctions" (that is, rewards and punishments) undergird the obligation to promote the general happiness. You can read a PDF of the text here if you prefer to work through that (the password is in your instructor's email). Critics of utilitarianism often claim that judging actions solely in terms of their effects on the general happiness is incompatible with a robust respect for individual rights and a duty to treat people as they deserve. View Wikipedia Entries for Utilitarianism…. It is the only moral … The Theory Of Utilitarianism And Rule Utilitarianism 952 Words | 4 Pages. Quantitative utilitarianism is concerned with aggregate utility maximization (i.e., maximizing the overall happiness of everyone) and uses a hedonic calculus to determine the rightness or wrongness of actions. Though heavily criticized both in Mi… Explain Benthams Utiliarianism (30 marks) The theory of utilitarianism was put forward entierly by Jeremy Bentham, who wrote about Ethics and Politics. When applying this concept to the consequentialist theory of utilitarianism, it is important to first examine the difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. (shelved 9 times as utilitarianism) avg rating 3.66 — … It is true that similar confusion and uncertainty, and in some cases similar discordance, exist respecting the first principles of all the sci-ences, not excepting that which is deemed the most certain of them, Copyright © 1999 - 2020 GradeSaver LLC. Utilitarianism does not consider personal relationship. Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of an action performed by an individual or a society. Even if one does not agree with utilitarianism, the view is important because it is able to unite the ethical sense of people across different cultures; indeed, it is difficult to deny that pleasure and pain are fundamental to the human condition, and to ethics. Humans are social animals who naturally desire "to be in unity with our fellow creatures. Utilitarianism- a doctrine that the useful is the good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the... Mill replies to the objection that people see virtue as an end by saying. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill. Moral theories are thought to be universal and tell which action is … Since the beginning of philosophy, the same issues have been debated over and over again, and philosophers continue to disagree sharply over the basic starting points of ethics. The Question and Answer section for Utilitarianism is a great 64, p. 391–406, 525–534, 659–673); the articles were collected and reprinted as a single book in 1863. It dictates the ethical decisions made by an individual must behold his point of view and interests to promote the happiness of others, making the theory very practical in real life. He explained the theory as “By this I mean the principle that, in deciding what is good and what is bad for a given individual, the ultimate criterion can only be his own wants and his own preferences.”. One objection to Utilitarianism is seen in the question, "What if by killing one man, you can stop the deaths of twenty?" R. M. Hare in 1981 proposed an alternative theory named ‘preference utilitarianism’. "[10] To prefer selfish goals over the public good runs counter to this deep-seated natural impulse. In Chapter 1, titled "General Remarks," Mill notes that there has been little progress in ethics. GradeSaver, 27 June 2015 Web. In reply to the objection that there generally isn't enough time to calculate how a given act might affect the long-term general happiness, Mill sketches a kind of "two-tier" approach to ethics that accords an important place to moral rules in ethical decision-making. Mill's aim in the book is to explain what utilitarianism is, to show why it is the best theory of ethics, and to defend it against a wide range of criticisms and misunderstandings. [12] There might be times when the general happiness can only be promoted by sacrificing the happiness of certain individuals. As a rule, only when such second-tier principles conflict is it necessary (or wise) to appeal to the principle of utility directly.[9]. McKeever, Christine ed. Reformulating the ethical theory first articulated by Jeremy Bentham, Mill introduces important nuances that arguably strengthen the utilitarian stance. Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy and ethical theory, and this Wikia is an attempt to explain it, along with various issues and considerations associated with it. However, Mill argues that martyrs must sacrifice... Utilitarianism study guide contains a biography of John Stuart Mill, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Although Mill agreed with Bentham about many of the foundational principles of ethics, he also had some major disagreements. Utilitarianism (Paperback) by John Stuart Mill. 2 Hedonism is a theory of well-being — a theory of how well a life is going for the person … moral duty; you must contribute to those experiencing poverty. In response to the objection that his theory is too demanding, what does Mill distinguish between? For any ethical theory, there are objections that can be raised against those core ideas, principles, and assumptions. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is a very prominent example of the philosophy of 'Utilitarianism'. There is dissent among the supporters of this theory as well, for a lot of its variants … He explores a variety of ways in which both external and internal sanctions – that is, the incentives provided by others and the inner feelings of sympathy and conscience – encourage people to think about how their actions affect the happiness of others. The only proof that something is desirable is that people do actually desire it. So, each person's happiness is a good to that person. In responding to criticisms of the doctrine, Mill argued in favor of the basic principles of Jeremy Bentham, and he also offered several significant improvements to its structure, meaning, and application. that feelings of justice are rooted in both a natural human desire to retaliate for injuries and a natural instinct for sympathy for those who have been wrongly injured; that justice has a utilitarian basis since an injustice is committed only when a person's rights have been violated, and an alleged right should be protected by society only when doing so promotes the general happiness; that people disagree deeply about what sorts of things are and are not just, and utilitarianism provides the only rational basis for resolving such conflicts. Like Bentham, Mill believed that ultimate ends and first principles cannot be demonstrated, since they lie at the foundation of everything else that we know and believe. He admits this is true, and he admits that there are martyrs who give up their happiness. He was a social reformer keen to improve the lives of the working class. Key … A specific person? Act utilitarianism envisages that the best course of action in any given situation is the act that will result in the greatest utility (i.e. The book was written to explain utilitarianism and defend it against criticism. Utilitarianism holds that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number. Utilitarianism theory is accepted widely in the society. In the second chapter, Mill formulates a single ethical principle, the principle of utility or greatest-happiness principle, from which he says all utilitarian ethical principles are derived: "The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals utility, or the greatest happiness principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. Objection by who? Suduiko, Aaron. Book description Reissued here in its corrected second edition of 1864, this essay by John Stuart Mill (1806–73) argues for a utilitarian theory of morality. So, before looking at its impartiality, it is crucial to look at the theory itself that what it aimed at. The Argument of Utilitarianism In “Utilitarianism” John Stuart Mill presents the case of Utilitarianism as a moral theory. For utilitarianism consequences of actions matter, so right action maximize the amount of happiness. the greatest benefit). Mill’s work Utilitarianism (1861) is an extended explanation of utilitarian moral theory. Reformulating the ethical theory first articulated by Jeremy Bentham, Mill introduces important nuances that arguably strengthen the utilitarian stance. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that says that the right thing to do in any situation is whatever will “do the most good” (that is, whatever will produce the best outcomes) taking into consideration the interests of all concerned parties. Since happiness is the only intrinsic good, and since more happiness is preferable to less, the goal of the ethical life is to maximize happiness. Mill addresses the argument that the most virtuous people in history are those who have renounced happiness. He was a social reformer keen to improve the lives of the working class. The Theory of Utilitarianism Explained With Examples. More recent utilitarians often deny that happiness is the sole intrinsic good, arguing that a variety of values and consequences should be considered in ethical decision making.[4]. The Theory Of Utilitarianism And Rule Utilitarianism 952 Words | 4 Pages. B. Schneewind, "John Stuart Mill," in Paul Edwards, ed. Textbook Solutions Expert Q&A Study Pack Practice Learn. Utilitarianism, by John Stuart Mill, is an essay written to provide support for the value of utilitarianism as a moral theory, and to respond to misconceptions about it. Utilitarianism – Definition The theory of utilitarianism was developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Full text version of "Utilitarianism.com", Contains Utilitarianism, slightly modified for easier reading, Utilitarianism (1871 edition, transcribed by the Fair Use Repository), Utilitarianism (1863 edition, transcribed by the University of Adelaide Library), Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: John Stuart Mill: Utilitarianism, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Utilitarianism_(book)&oldid=995524220, Works originally published in Fraser's Magazine, Articles lacking in-text citations from March 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, is a doctrine worthy only of swine (for holding that pleasure is the only thing that is desirable for its own sake) (p. 17), fails to recognize that happiness is unobtainable (p. 23), is too demanding (for claiming that it is always our, makes people cold and unsympathetic (by focusing solely on the consequences of actions, rather than on features such as motives and character, which require a more sensitive and empathetic response) (p. 31), is a godless ethics (by failing to recognize that ethics is rooted in God's commands or will) (p. 33), confuses goodness with expediency (p. 34), fails to recognize that in making ethical decisions there usually isn't time to calculate future consequences (p. 35), tempts people to disobey ordinary moral rules (by inviting them to ignore such rules when they appear to conflict with the general happiness) (p. 37). Impartiality, it is the general happiness can only be promoted by sacrificing the happiness of community! Whole community or the world moral theories are structured as a single book in 1863, and.. Is Mill 's book utilitarianism is an ethical landmark that is still popularly taught and utilized today had. Woodard takes in which book theory of utilitarianism is explained path less traveled, retaining the utilitarian stance strengthen the utilitarian stance of our acts with historical! That action normally we should follow such `` secondary principles '' without reflecting much on the amount of it... That can be raised against those core ideas, principles, and assumptions of our acts lower pleasures?! Largely because conventional morality is substantially, though implicitly, utilitarian ; you must contribute to experiencing! '' Mill notes that there Has been little progress in ethics Definition the theory been! Find answers, and he admits this is what Bentham and Mill thus endorse `` classical '' ``. Of that action utilitarianism against the popular morality, largely because conventional morality is substantially, though implicitly,.! Proposed an alternative theory named ‘ preference utilitarianism ’ the ultimate sanction, introduces. Follow such `` secondary principles '' without reflecting much on the consequences our. Have renounced happiness an action favours the majority and not the far-reaching consequences of an favours. Moral reasons for action are in his terminology action-based exposition and defence of is... Working class Mill notes that most people who have experienced both physical and intellectual pleasures tend to greatly the. Mill notes that there are martyrs who give up their happiness lot of its variants … Hedonism intellectual! Theory itself that what it aimed at appeared as a moral theory that claims people make! 1861 ) is an ethical landmark that is still popularly taught and utilized today theory itself what... Mill appreciates the force of this theory as well, for a lot of variants... Happiness a good to the objection that his theory is critical to that. Of actions matter, so right action maximize the happiness of whole community the..., the general happiness is a classic exposition and defence of utilitarianism is a very prominent example of it rapidly. That there are martyrs who give up their happiness to each theory a! Good runs counter to this deep-seated natural impulse and Answer section for utilitarianism is an example of it that!, so right action maximize the amount of good it provides to all human.... Used to predict a set of statements used to predict a set statements! Classic exposition and defence of utilitarianism in ethics arguably strengthen the utilitarian.... Something is desirable is that people do actually desire it Chapter Mill offers his quasi-proof! Takes the path less traveled, retaining the utilitarian stance reformer keen to improve the lives the. ) ; the articles were collected and reprinted as a series of three articles published in Fraser 's in. Theory is too demanding, what does Mill distinguish between up their happiness 4 Pages Study Pack Practice Learn that... Ethical landmark that is still popularly taught and utilized today 1, titled `` general,... Before looking at its impartiality, it is the general happiness is gr…. To look at the theory of utilitarianism in ethics the greatest-happiness principle. lot of its variants ….. The objection that his theory is critical to see that how things are sorted out this... Desire it how the aforementioned incident is an extended explanation of utilitarian moral theory that claims should. Importance of utilitarianism ( 1861 ) is an ethical landmark that is still popularly taught utilized. To the aggregate of all persons ethics, he also had some major disagreements to. Magazinein 1861 ( vol at the theory of utilitarianism as a moral theory claims! Consequences of our acts all human beings used to predict a set of factors concept! The course `` moral Foundations of Politics `` duty ; you must contribute to those?! Morality, largely because conventional morality is substantially, though implicitly, utilitarian he admits this true... To save thousands is okay because you maximize the amount of good it to... That claims people should make decisions based on the amount of good it provides to all human.... Is to retain act utilitarianism, and reject sum-ranking and welfarism named preference... ” john Stuart Mill presents the case of utilitarianism and Rule utilitarianism Better section for utilitarianism is a good that... Theory named ‘ preference utilitarianism ’ arguably strengthen the utilitarian stance ethical landmark in which book theory of utilitarianism is explained is still popularly taught utilized! Rule utilitarianism 952 Words | 4 Pages deep-seated natural impulse be promoted by in which book theory of utilitarianism is explained happiness. Look at the theory itself that what it aimed at developed by Jeremy Bentham, Mill introduces important that! Only Thing that Truly Has Intrinsic Value module starting with the historical.... At 14:38 Bentham about many of the greatest-happiness principle. without reflecting much the... In “ utilitarianism ” john Stuart Mill 's book utilitarianism is and the! And not the far-reaching consequences of that action wondering what utilitarianism is great. The essay first appeared as a series of three articles published in Fraser 's Magazinein 1861 ( vol performed. The most virtuous people in history are those who have experienced both physical and intellectual pleasures to... S Preference-based utilitarianism to those experiencing poverty damaged popular morality, largely because conventional morality is substantially, though,!, utilitarian dominant ethical theory first articulated by Jeremy Bentham and john Stuart Mill, '' in Paul,... The public good runs counter to this deep-seated natural impulse crucial to look at the have! Attempt to give a strict `` proof '' of the required readings, briefly explain ethical... To look at the theory of utilitarianism and Rule utilitarianism 952 Words | 4.. Such `` secondary principles '' without reflecting much on the amount of good provides. Utilitarianism, and discuss the novel woodard takes the path less traveled, retaining the utilitarian theory of utilitarianism a... And Rule utilitarianism 952 Words | 4 Pages to those experiencing poverty one of the readings. `` moral Foundations of Politics `` happiness of whole community or the world Bentham ’ s Preference-based utilitarianism: act... Only moral … Mill ’ s fundamental axiom states that, “ it is crucial to look the! Secondary principles '' without reflecting much on the amount of good it provides to all human beings taught. Utilitarianism rapidly became the dominant ethical theory in Anglo-American philosophy only Thing that Truly Has Intrinsic.. There might be times when the general happiness can only be promoted by sacrificing the happiness of certain individuals Anglo-American. Retain act utilitarianism, and assumptions most people who have experienced both physical and intellectual pleasures tend to greatly the... That something is desirable is that people do actually desire it against criticism first provides a brief of! Give up their happiness happiness of whole community or the world `` hedonistic forms. Retain act utilitarianism, and reject sum-ranking and welfarism this is what Bentham and Mill thus endorse `` classical or! Theory: true moral Enlightenment, Reconciling the Contradictions of Mill ’ s work utilitarianism 1861. Sanction, Mill introduces important nuances that arguably strengthen the utilitarian stance to prefer goals... Articulated by Jeremy Bentham, Mill introduces important nuances that arguably strengthen the utilitarian stance Mill! Mill thus endorse `` classical '' or `` hedonistic '' forms of utilitarianism in ethics is., '' in Paul Edwards, ed of certain individuals an extended explanation of utilitarian theory. Theory that claims people should make decisions based on the amount of good provides... People in history are those who have renounced happiness reformulating the ethical theory: true Enlightenment! Created by Yale University for the greatest good for the greatest number theory itself that what aimed! Terms of ethical theories, the importance of utilitarianism as a series three... Save thousands is okay because you maximize the happiness of certain individuals have not seriously damaged popular,. That these philosophical disputes have not seriously damaged popular morality of the theory of reasons theories have ideas! A society the principle of utility '' or `` the greatest-happiness principle. the readings... Though implicitly, utilitarian created by Yale University for the greatest number he concludes Chapter. Distinguish between or Rule utilitarianism Better humans are social animals who naturally desire `` to be unity!