Ethics

This paper takes a look at John Stuart Mills theory of Utilitarianism.

 John Stuart Mills Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is the ethical theory developed by John Stuart Mills. This theory states that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness (Heydt 2006). In other words, Utilitarianism is the ethical theory that defines right and wrong based on the amount of happiness or pleasure produced (or not produced) as a consequence of the action taken. Many often refer to this as the greatest good for the greatest number principle meaning that an action can be determined right if its end result will create a great good or happiness for the larger majority. Actions are then determined to be wrong if the end result fails to produce a great amount of happiness or even pleasure for a larger number. Utilitarianism can also be referred to as consequentialism.

In todays culture, we can use the theory of utilitarianism to find our way through a variety of ethical decisions. For example, when it comes to choosing whether to it is right or wrong to speed down the interstate at more than 20 mph over the speed limit, one can ask what the consequence of the act might be. On the one hand, speeding at such an excessive rate will more than likely get one to hisher destination quicker thus sparing himher from the embarrassment of walking in late. However, on the other hand, the excessive speed could cause the driver to lose control of the car therefore crashing into another driver and causing a devastating accident. The good is this situation merely affects the driver and perhaps whoever heshe may be meeting at the destination. Yet, the negative outcome of this scenario would affect not only the driver, but also other drivers and perhaps even their families especially is a serious injury or even death results from the accident. In this case, the greater good is not achieved for the great number. The consequences could have a far more negative impact on a greater number of people. Therefore, speeding at an excessive rate is just not worth the risk and is determined to be the wrong choice.

Utilitarianism is a very effective way to determine what is right and wrong however, it should not be the sole basis for this determination. One could very easily rationalize the above example to make it appear the greater good is indeed for the driver and speeding would be OK. In reality, utilitarianism along with several ethical theories should be combined to make a more rounded decision of whether an action is right or wrong.