Distinctive features of Utilitarianism
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Distinctive features of Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is a modern form of the Hedonistic ethical theory which teaches that the end of human conduct is happiness, and that consequently the discriminating form which distinguishes conduct into right and wrong is pleasure and pain. In the words of John Stuart Mill.
Thoughout this essay I hope to outline the key elements which make up Utilitarianism.
To begin with i shall be taking an indepth look at the two most important Utilitarian philosophers, who have helped shape and make Utilitarianism what it is today.
Jeremy Bentham, British philosopher,born 1748 was an economist, and jurist, who founded the doctrine of utilitarianism. Philosophical Radicals, whose members included James Mill and his son, John Stuart Mill. They founded and edited the Westminster Review, which served as an outlet for their reformist ideas. In the Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, Bentham advanced utilitarianism as the basis for reform. He claimed that one could scientifically ascertain what was morally justifiable by applying the principle of utility. Actions were right if they tended to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people...