Utilitarianism is a philosophical theory that holds that the best action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Utilitarians believe that morality should be based on the consequences of an action, not on the intentions of the actor. This means that if an act results in more good … Read more
John Stuart Mill was once considered “the most influential English-speaking philosopher of the nineteenth century. ” From early on in his life, Mill was challenged to think outside the box and question long held views of society from his father. Throughout his life, Mill presented his way of thinking and gave his insight on numerous … Read more
Ursula K. Le Guin’s Those Who Walk Away from Omelas encourages students to face the dark side of modern civilization and utilitarianism. It tells of a nearly perfect city, where most everyone is happy. They lead cultured, complex, fulfilling lives. The reader is told to imagine it as they wish; let it have whatever amount … Read more
Classical economists analyzed the nature of value primarily on the labor theory. Without a clear grasp of the concept of demand, Smith, Malthus and Ricardo often raise confusing and self-contradictory explanations of the definition of “value. ” The utilitarianists, like Jeremy Bentham and J. S. Mill, offered a revolutionary approach to understand the demand-side of … Read more