Question
Investigate the concept of utilitarianism. Which example best fits the philosophical idea.
If it makes me happy, then it doesn’t matter if it makes everyone else unhappy
The needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few
We either succeed, or we all fail, no in between.
If it makes me happy, then it doesn’t matter if it makes everyone else unhappy
The needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many
The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few
We either succeed, or we all fail, no in between.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Utilitarianism is a normative ethical theory that advocates for actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the greatest number of people. It is often summarized by the phrase "the greatest good for the greatest number." This philosophical idea is primarily associated with philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who both emphasized the importance of outcomes in determining the moral worth of actions.
Upon examining the provided options in the context of utilitarianism, the best fit would be:
**"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."**
This statement aligns closely with the core principle of utilitarianism, which focuses on the collective welfare and the impact of actions on the majority. In utilitarian terms, moral actions are those that contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of the greatest number of individuals, often taking a stance that the interests of the majority should take precedence over those of a minority, especially if the majority's gain significantly outweighs the minority's loss.
The other options deviate from this principle:
1. **"If it makes me happy, then it doesn’t matter if it makes everyone else unhappy"** - This statement reflects a more egoistic perspective rather than a utilitarian one, which considers the happiness of all affected individuals.
2. **"The needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many"** - This directly contradicts the utilitarian approach, as it prioritizes individual needs over the collective well-being.
3. **"We either succeed, or we all fail, no in between."** - This is more about a dichotomous outcome rather than focusing on maximizing happiness or utility.
In summary, within the framework of utilitarianism, prioritizing the greater good and considering the overall happiness of the majority is foundational, making "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" the most representative example of the philosophy.
Upon examining the provided options in the context of utilitarianism, the best fit would be:
**"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."**
This statement aligns closely with the core principle of utilitarianism, which focuses on the collective welfare and the impact of actions on the majority. In utilitarian terms, moral actions are those that contribute to the overall happiness and well-being of the greatest number of individuals, often taking a stance that the interests of the majority should take precedence over those of a minority, especially if the majority's gain significantly outweighs the minority's loss.
The other options deviate from this principle:
1. **"If it makes me happy, then it doesn’t matter if it makes everyone else unhappy"** - This statement reflects a more egoistic perspective rather than a utilitarian one, which considers the happiness of all affected individuals.
2. **"The needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many"** - This directly contradicts the utilitarian approach, as it prioritizes individual needs over the collective well-being.
3. **"We either succeed, or we all fail, no in between."** - This is more about a dichotomous outcome rather than focusing on maximizing happiness or utility.
In summary, within the framework of utilitarianism, prioritizing the greater good and considering the overall happiness of the majority is foundational, making "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few" the most representative example of the philosophy.