What Are Two Characteristics Of Utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on its outcomes or consequences. Two key characteristics of utilitarianism are:

1. Consequentialist Principle:

  - Utilitarianism is fundamentally consequentialist, meaning that it focuses on the consequences of actions in determining their moral worth. According to utilitarianism, an action is morally right if it produces the greatest overall happiness or pleasure and minimizes suffering. The moral value of an action is derived entirely from the goodness or badness of its outcomes.

2. Greatest Happiness Principle:

  - At the core of utilitarianism is the principle of utility, often expressed as the "greatest happiness for the greatest number." This means that the morally right action is the one that maximizes overall well-being or happiness in society. Utilitarianism seeks to promote the greatest overall balance of pleasure over pain, happiness over suffering, or satisfaction over dissatisfaction.

These two characteristics emphasize the consequentialist nature of utilitarian ethics and its focus on the overall well-being of individuals and society. It's important to note that there are different variations of utilitarianism, including act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism, which offer nuanced perspectives on how to apply the principle of utility in ethical decision-making.