1.
Introduction/Overview
Module 7 intends to provide knowledge regarding the origins and nature of the theory of
Utilitarianism. It deepens the student's understanding of Bentham’s and Mill’s Utilitarianism.
Students will be able to learn how the Utilitarianism theory is considered ethical when
applied to business, otherwise known as business fascination. Also, the analysis of the
different varieties of utilitarianism will be examined.
2. Learning Outcomes
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module, students should be able to:
1. Define Utilitarianism
2. Compare and contrast Bentham’s Utilitarianism with that of Mill’s.
3. Understand the greatest idea of the "greatest happiness" principle
4. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of Utilitarianism
5. Write a creative essay entitled "My View of Duterte's Administration If I were A Utilitarian"
3. Topic #1: What is Utilitarianism?
Utilitarianism Explained
Utilitarianism is a consequential theory, which is a subclass of teleological moral theory. A
teleological ethical system, as we discussed in the previous lessons labels an act to be right
or wrong based on the goal or purpose of the act.
The determination of what one should do is based, not on the nature of the act, unlike
Kantian ethics, but on the consequences of the act, hence, consequential.
This runs in the completely opposite direction as absolutists, claiming that some actions are
wrong in their very nature and must never be done no matter the situation and results. On
the other hand, consequentialists suppose there is no kind of activity that may not be
justified by its effects.
Utilitarianism claims that the right action is one that maximizes overall happiness. The
principle of utility can be applied to either specific actions (act-utilitarianism) or general rules
(rule-utilitarianism).
Act Utilitarianism
This is the principle that claims an act is right if it is one that brings the best results and or
the least amount of bad results.
In Act Utilitarianism, the principle of utility is applied directly to every alternative act in a
situation where they're more than one choice. Though it may sound promising, strong
criticism against this principle is that knowing the consequences of every act is difficult and
uncertain.
Rule Utilitarianism
On the other hand, Rule-Utilitarianism uses the utility to decide whether rules are valid or
not. The consequences of the implementation of such rules are what is measured to say if
the following of a rule gives the most benefit. Criticisms against this view are that it is
possible to implement unjust rules according to the principle of Rule-Utilitarianism.
What are the strengths and Weaknesses of Utilitarianism?
Unlike Kantian ethics, Utilitarianism proposes the idea that an action is good as long as it
gives a person the greatest happiness, otherwise, It is wrong if an action resulted from
unhappiness. But just like other ethical theories, Utilitarianism has its weaknesses too.
Strengths Weaknesses
1. Act Utilitarianism is pragmatic 1. Utilitarianism seeks to predict an
which focuses on the consequences action, which is impossible.
of an action
2. It gives an answer to a problem 2. It creates an unrealistic perspective
3. An individual can decide on his own 3. Immeasurable
4. Topic 2: Origin & Nature of the Theory
It was Jeremy Bentham who founded the Utilitarianism doctrine but it was John Stuart Mill
who later organized and systemized Bentham’s principle of utilitarianism by modifications.
Bentham’s Utilitarianism
According to Bentham, the principle of utility states that an action is right if it produces the
greatest happiness for the greatest number of beneficiaries.
It is not the natural law, rights, and contracts that serve as the basis in evaluating the
morality of acts and decisions, but the principle of utility.
He observes further that people act for their own interest, as people are naturally seekers of
pleasure and pain avoiders. For him, nothing is intrinsically good, but pleasure.
Quantitative Utilitarian Calculation
This method has seven criteria that allow the calculation of pleasure.
1. Intensity
2. Duration
3. Certainty
4. Remoteness
5. Fruitfulness
6. Purity
7. Extent
With these measures, Utilitarianism defines the morality of an act or decision by calculating
the sum of pleasure it caused or will cause and the amount of pain to be inflicted.
Mill’s Utilitarianism
After Bentham, it is Mill who is the next most famous proponent of Utilitarianism. His
utilitarian principles have common ground with that of Bentham in the sense that he agrees
that the measurement of the rightness or wrongness of an act is the greatest pleasure of the
greatest number of those who will benefit from it.
However, he differs from the utilitarian principles of Bentham as Mill rejects the purely
quantitative treatment of the principle of utility. He also introduces the so-called “secondary
principles”.
Higher and Lower Pleasures
Mill addressed the criticism that Utilitarianism only defines man in terms of pain and
pleasure, he argues that while a happy life is a life of pleasure, such pleasure is not limited
to only sensual pleasure.
He points out that there are actually lower pleasures such as physical pleasure which
animals can also experience. This kind of pleasure includes those from eating food etc.
By higher pleasures, Mill explains these are pleasure that only human beings can
experience, such as the pleasures of appreciating good music, seeing works of arts, and
even solving a mathematical problem
Secondary Principles
Mill believes that experiences from our past teach us which kind of acts and decisions
produces the greatest happiness and which do not. This stems from the fact that it would be
difficult to always calculate the pleasure and pain that may be the consequences of acts.
5. Topic 3: An Analysis of Utilitarianism
Analyzing Utilitarianism
While Kant proposes that an act is justified by one’s reason to perform his duty, Bentham’s
and Mill’s utilitarian principles counter with the claim that actions are evaluated through their
ends.
Utilitarianism appears to be attractive, anchoring the basis of pleasure and pain.
Utilitarianism teaches us that there are allowances for actions that may be justified by the
consequences. However, we should also keep in mind that it is not easy to predict and
make sure of the consequences. This theory requires us to make calculations for our acts,
which, in reality, we wouldn’t have any time for.
Another problem with Utilitarianism is its impracticability, wherein the principle states that
the total number of beneficiaries of the outcomes must first be determined before an act is
considered right or wrong. This is highly impossible, especially for acts that have long term
effects. Complications may also arise from giving moral importance exclusively to
consequences of actions. It may indicate that an act is right just because it brings
advantage even if it stems from an evil motive.
Figure __With Utilitarianism, wrongs acts may seem to be justified with
advantageous results.
6. Topic 4: Business Fascination with Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism and Business
Utilitarianism is likely to be the most broadly understood and frequently applied ethical
theory when it comes to business. In business, utilitarianism is applied in the sense that
actions and decisions are tended to be made for more money, an increase in profit, and for
the benefit of the company as a whole.
A businessman could make the conclusion that the greatest good would amount to the
highest amount of profitability and the greatest contribution of such business to society.
Also, business management may relate to utilitarian principles in the sense that business
executives recognize the fact that there are times not all stakeholders may benefit from a
particular decision. Thus, giving emphasis that such principle and business, lies on the net
utility of a consequence.
