Utilitarianism is a moral theory that suggests that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, typically defined in terms of promoting happiness and reducing suffering. This ethical framework was formulated by philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. The central principle of utilitarianism is that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined solely by its consequences.
Key Features of Utilitarianism:
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Consequentialism: The morality of an action is judged by its outcomes rather than by the action itself or any rules.
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Hedonism: An assumption that pleasure (or happiness) is the highest good.
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Impartiality: Every individual's happiness is considered equally; one person's happiness does not outweigh another's.
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Aggregation of Utility: The theory suggests that we should aim to achieve the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
Examples of Utilitarianism in Practice:
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Trolley Problem: A classic ethical dilemma where a runaway trolley is heading toward five people tied to a track. You have the option to pull a lever that redirects the trolley onto another track where only one person is tied. A utilitarian perspective would argue for pulling the lever, as it results in the least amount of suffering (one death vs. five).
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Public Health Policies: Consider a vaccination program aimed at controlling a contagious disease. From a utilitarian standpoint, the program might be supported because it not only protects vaccinated individuals but also helps achieve herd immunity, thus benefiting society as a whole by reducing illness and suffering in the population.
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Economic Decisions: In the context of resource allocation, utilitarianism would advocate for policies that maximize overall economic welfare, such as investing in social programs that aid the most people or providing healthcare solutions that save the most lives.
Conclusion:
The Trolley Problem serves as the best fit for the philosophical idea of utilitarianism since it starkly illustrates the conflict between individual rights and consequences. This dilemma lays bare the core principles of utilitarianism: choosing the action that results in the greatest overall good, despite the ethical discomfort it might produce regarding the sacrifice of an individual for the majority. It highlights the essence of utilitarianism through its emphasis on outcomes and the collective well-being of society.
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