Utilitarianism

1. Definition

1.1. An ethical theory that places the locus of right and wrong solely on the outcomes

2. Types

2.1. Rule Utilitarianism

2.1.1. View that actions are morally right if they conform to an optimific social rule

2.2. Act Utilitarianism

2.2.1. View that the rightness of an action depends solely on the total utility of individual actions

2.3. Preference Utilitarianism

2.3.1. View that moral action should meet the preferences of the individuals involved

2.4. Negative Utilitarianism

2.4.1. View that focuses on minimizing the suffering rather than on maximizing happiness

3. Criticisms

3.1. Too demanding

3.1.1. Constant burden to maximise happiness can take a toll on one's mental health

3.2. Neglects justice

3.2.1. Requires individuals to commit unjust actions in certain scenarios

3.3. Ignores rights

3.3.1. Can lead to the neglect of individual and minority rights

4. Principles

4.1. Greatest happiness principle

4.1.1. Actions are right if they promote happiness, wrong if they produce the reverse

4.2. Utility

4.2.1. Measure of the usefulness of an action based on its tendency to promote happiness

5. Key philosophers

5.1. Jeremy Bentham

5.1.1. Introduced and developed the principle of utility

5.1.2. Bentham's Calculus or Felicific Calculus

5.2. John Stuart Mill

5.2.1. Introduced the harm principle and rule utilitarianism

5.2.2. Mill's Test of higher and lower pleasures

5.3. Henry Sidgwick

5.3.1. Tried to reconcile egoistic and utilitarian ethics

6. Applications

6.1. Public policy

6.1.1. Utilitarian calculus in economic decisions and cost-benefit analyses

6.2. Medical ethics

6.2.1. Decision-making process for doctors and medical professionals

6.3. Environmental ethics

6.3.1. Balancing the needs of many with the preservation of the environment