BENTHAM'S PRINCIPLE OF UTILITY

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Introduction to The Principles of Morals and Legislation (Jeremy Bentham)

Prepared by: Atty. Mark Gil J. Ramolete, MA Philos

Governance of 2 masters:

1.)    Pleasure

2.)    Pain

Four Sources of Pleasure and Pain:

1.)    Moral

2.)    Political

3.)    Physical

4.)    Religious

The Principle of Utility

 = Maximize the experience of pleasure while minimizing the experience of pain

Principles Adverse to the Principle of Utility

1.)    Principle of Antipathy and Sympathy

2.)    Principle of Asceticism

What are the Seven (7) Degrees of Felicity?

(MNEMONIC)

Intense, long, certain, speedy, fruitful, pure

Such marks in pleasures and in pains endure

Such pleasures seek if private be thy end

If it be public, wide let them extend

Such pains avoid whichever be thy view

If pains must come, extend it to the few.

Note:               

Whether one is a policy maker, leader or a magistrate, the PRINCIPLE OF UTILITY MUST NOT be strictly pursued.

                An action, policy or law is right provided and only provided the outcome is the best possible.