Question

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Describe the classical theory of Utilitarianism. What are some potential problems with the application of the theory?

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Answer 1

INTRODUCTION :- Classical theory of Utilitarianism is one of the prominent theory considering the other theories being made in the field of philosophy.It took the contribution of 3 major philosopher to come up this classical theory.Those philosophers were John Stuart Mill,Jeremy Bentham,Henry Sidgwick respectively.They came up with this theory in the 19th century.In this theory these philosophers laid much more emphasis on the achievement of satisfaction from the things being done,rather on any other aspect.

Classical theory of Utilitarianism suggest that,any deed performed which leads to positivity while concluding result,as such it leads to some sort of contentment for the person who has committed it,then that particular deed will be considered as correct.It does not matter whether it correct in terms of morality or even the ethics,but the thing which primarily matters as per this theory is the satisfaction which the person has achieved after doing so.The sole principle of this theory lays on the result that comes after performing anything,as such if it could make the person happy,it can never be wrong.In simple words,it merely focus on the purpose of the person in doing the particular thing,rather on values or ethics.It is due to this fact,certain things which are being wrong with respect to the human values,and ethics,are considered correct according to this theory,because the purpose underlying behind it was completely correct,and it even was successful in making the person satisfied.This theory somehow even leads to fairness among people,as it provide everyone chances to do the things which brings them happiness,without even judging on any grounds of morality.

WHAT ARE SOME POTENTIAL PROBLEMS WITH THE APPLICATION OF THIS THEORY?

Even though the sole concept of this theory is consider things correct if it could make people happy,yet there are some potential problem which makes the application of this theory bit difficult,and they are as follows :-

• As this theory suggest if the thing is able to make you happy,then it will be correct,but some people may misuse it,in the sense they may do wrong things,which may somehow provide them satisfaction,but are not acceptable on any ground,such as finding happiness on the cause of others,that is by humiliating them,in such scenario,this theory cannot be accepted,because even though the person is getting happiness,yet humiliating others cannot be accepted by any means.
• It completely avoids the concept of moral values norms or even ethics,and it is completely wrong,because if avoiding these things leads to happiness in such a sense which making one's life better,then it could be considered correct,as such getting married to a man younger to you,avoiding ethics and morality in this sense will be acceptable,because it will genuinely leads to happiness of people without making them suffer,but contrary to it,where the negligence of moral values making them so any wrong things,then this theory will not be acceptable.