Utilitarian Moral Theory

What are the basic elements of a utilitarian moral theory.? Utilitarianism is the moral theory which predominantly states that which is right is that which brings about the most happiness to the most people. Originating under the work of Jeremy Bentham and John Mill, the ethical principle of utilitarianism denotes the idea that choices or decisions should be based on increasing positive consequences or in other words acts should yield the most good or happiness for the most individuals while minimizing bad consequences. According to a utilitarian the morality of act is found right if the consequence brings about the highest amount of utility for everyone. Conversely, if the greatest possible utility is not created, the action is then morally wrong. The principle says that a person's acts should generate the most possible happiness and pleasure for everyone who may be directly or indirectly affected by the action.

There are four criteria which are necessary to be considered as a utilitarian theory. The first, which was discussed previously, is The Principle of Utility. The basis of this principle is to maximize the good. An action should create the greatest amount of happiness or if only the opposite is possible, it must be minimized as much as possible. The next criterion is A Theory of Value: The Standard of Goodness. This standard allows for the assessment of the "goodness" or "badness" of consequences. Most hedonistic utilitarians, like Bentham and Mill, use intrinsic values as a measure of value. Specifically, pleasure has a positive intrinsic value and pain has a negative intrinsic value. Whereas pluralistic utilitarians argue that there are other impotant fundamental values other than just pleasure and pain that are equally as valuable. The next principle is Consequentialism, which states that the rightness or wrongness of any action is based directly on the consequences that occur as a result from the action. The goal of consequentialism is to judge an action based on the utility produced. Lastly, utilitarians stress Impartiality, which means that all people affected by an action must be considered with no discrimination involved.