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Describe the main differences between the utilitarianism of Bentham and Mill.

Utilitarianism Essay

Describe the main differences between the utilitarianism of Bentham and Mill.

Utilitarianism is a prevalent approach to looking at ethical statements, and it is based on the idea of ‘utility’-a theory of usefulness, this then seems to imply whatever is useful is moral and refers to the amount of pleasure or happiness caused by the action. Utilitarianism is a teleological ethical system. Teleological ethical theories emphasise the importance of the ends, i.e. it is a consequentialist theory, and the ends justify the means. In Utilitarianism this is the happiness that results from the act. It is generally thought of as a moral theory that can be best summed up by the phrase: ‘The greatest happiness for the greatest number.’ Utilitarianism doesn’t ignore rules altogether, but believes actions to have instrumental value. So, for example, the act of abortion, according to Utilitarianism, in itself, is neither good nor bad, neither moral nor immoral. Howe...

Posted by: Ryan Wilkins

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