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Essay / a - 950
Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that places the decision about whether an action is right or wrong in the consequences of the action. For example, if an action has a negative outcome, then it is considered bad. If the result is positive, the action becomes right. This means that the action does not only affect the initiator, but takes into account the interest of others (Driver 1). Utilitarianism is based on the fact that good is that which has a good or pleasant result, and immoral is an action with a bad result. Utilitarianism also holds that we should act to maximize everyone's happiness. Some philosophers view this principle as a strict requirement. Jeremy Bentham, a philosopher who proposed useful principles. He was the first to promote the idea that an action should be judged by the amount of pleasure or pain it caused. His principle explained that a good action is one that brings pleasure while one that causes pain is bad. Bentham goes further in differentiating virtue and pleasure and their relationship to utilitarianism. He explains that he is a virtuous person who upholds moral values and ensures the happiness of those around him, qualities closely linked to utilitarianism because they provide pleasure (Driver 1). They also argue that the purpose of an action is independent of the morality of the action. These arguments give us the impression that utilitarianism is different from other moral aspects. Other moral aspects give each person the freedom to engage in action that they believe will result in the best results. John Mill, another philosopher, later adjusted Bentham's theory. Mill was a follower of Bentham's work, although he disagreed with a number of principles that Bentham had advocated during his......workplace......intrinsic aspects such as love or freedom. It only focuses on happiness and pleasure. It lacks the flexibility that other moral aspects have in their definition. The theory of utilitarianism is based on a single rule that positive results of an action automatically make that action moral. This rule is also subjective and does not take into account the different definitions of happiness. It is unpredictable because it is based on the consequences at the end of the action. This requires us to predict the future, which is impossible. The version's definition of pleasure means that it can be of a higher or lower form, which is unrealistic because each form of pleasure is subject to a particular person or action. Therefore, we cannot completely define pleasure in a single version. There is more to life than pleasure and morality, which are its only aspects; Mill focuses on in his version.