Bentham
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Utilitarianism is looking at the consequences that affect all that are involved by a particular action. Jeremy Bentham was an advocate for the utilitarian theory. Bentham claims in his work "An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation" that individuals seek their own happiness, so others have that shared opinion; therefore, happiness "ought to be our goal." This concept is called the "principle of utility." He has devised a quantitative measurement on how those affected by any action either have a moral or immoral consequence. His moral principle is that if the outcome for all outweighs the bad, than it is a moral consequence. What may be perceived to be better for all, however, could be detrimental for an individual. Individual rights may very well be violated, to serve for the overall pleasures of the community. I disagree with Bentham's theory for a variety of reasons. Bentham's "Principle of Utility" is not adequate as a basis for legal reform because individual's human right's can be violated for the greater pleasures of the public...