Historical Background
Utilitarianism is a tradition of ethical philosophy that traces its roots back to the hedonistic theories of antiquity. The modern form of utilitarianism was significantly shaped by thinkers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who advocated for utility or happiness as the foundational principle of morality.
Jeremy Bentham
Bentham, often regarded as the father of modern utilitarianism, introduced the principle of utility, which argues that the best actions are those that increase happiness or pleasure while minimizing pain.
John Stuart Mill
Mill expanded on Bentham’s ideas, emphasizing not just the quantity but the quality of pleasures. His work aimed to reconcile utilitarianism with human rights and justice.