Summarise the followin points on Distributive Justice - Utilitarianism, in one paragraph:

Question

• Utilitarianism is a central school of ethics
• John Stuart Mill linked utility to the greatest happiness - acts are right insofar as they promote the greatest amount of happiness
• For Mill happiness is determined in terms of pleasure and unhappiness in terms of pain
• Jeremy Bentham focused on the quantity of pleasure experienced - however this determination can become difficult
• Mill further distinguished the quantity and the quality of the pleasure involved utilitarianism aims to maximise happiness overall, taking everyone’s experiences into account
• Idea of equality/impartiality involved
• Utilitarianism is consequentialist - morality of act found in its consequences
• Ascertaining can be difficult - weighing interests and consequences
• Problem with possibly disregarding the interests of some?
• Example
• Act utilitarianism versus rule utilitarianism?

Answer 1

Utilitarianism, a central school of ethics, focuses on promoting the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. John Stuart Mill linked utility to the concept of happiness, which is determined by pleasure and unhappiness by pain. While Jeremy Bentham emphasized the quantity of pleasure, Mill introduced the idea of quality as well, advocating for the maximization of overall happiness. The theory involves equality and impartiality, and considers the consequences of actions in determining morality. However, there can be challenges in accurately weighing interests and consequences, potentially leading to the disregard of some individuals' interests. The debate between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism also arises, highlighting the complexity of applying utilitarian principles in practice.