The principle of utility by Bentham
The principle of utility by Bentham focuses on pleasure and pain in life. In particular, it approves or rejects an action based on its consequences (Perry et al. 481). Also, it equates pain with evil and pleasure with good. Bentham believed that one could quantify pain and pleasure. The criteria used in the principle of utility are certainty, duration, fecundity, and intensity. On that note, individuals define the right or wrong action depending on the pain or pleasure they get. For instance, if a person gives charity to orphans, the individual makes them happy. As a result, the action is right since it involves helping children who are in need.
According to John Stuart Mill
According to John Stuart Mill, an action is considered right if it promotes happiness and reduces pain (Perry et al. 483). Based on utilitarianism, between paying medical bills for one patient and donating funds to a charity organization, which is the right action? The principle of utility was confusing since one does not show how an individual can quantify pleasure and pain. For instance, between a person who is abandoned by family and the one who is sick, who suffers the most? The thing that should be clarified is how to apply the criteria of utility in different contexts. Overall, utilitarianism emphasizes the action with the greatest good for many people. For this reason, Mill would recommend one to participate in activities that help the majority of individuals in the society. Hence, by referring to the first example, it is better to donate money to charity than settle medical bills for a single patient.
To sum up
To sum up, utilitarianism supports the right action that endorses pleasure and helps many people in the community. The principle of utility approves or disapproves a specific action based on its implications.
Work Cited
Perry, John, et al. Introduction to philosophy: Classical and contemporary readings (7th ed.). Oxford University Press, 2016.
