Philosophy & Meaning
Utilitarianism
Holds that the right action — and, by extension, a meaningful life — is one that maximizes overall well-being or happiness and minimizes suffering for all affected.
Proponents
Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill, Peter Singer (modern)
Evidence For
Provides a clear, action-guiding decision procedure and grounds ethics in something — well-being and suffering — that is broadly agreed to matter.
Evidence Against
Critics raise cases where maximizing aggregate welfare seems to license clearly unjust acts against individuals or minorities (the "utility monster," sacrificing the few for the many).
Transmissions
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