Posted: March 2nd, 2017

When we make a decision or take an action, should we try to benefit everyone or only those who are directly affected by our actions?

The Principle of Utility from Bentham and Mill expressed in ethical form is this:
“We should act in such a way as to maximize the happiness of everyone affected by our actions.”
This was a radical idea, because it included no references to religion and had a purely human focus.
It was also teleological (learn this new word), because it focused only on the consequences of decisions.

Beyond our own interests individually, good people often sacrifice their happiness for the greater happiness of all; that is, the greatest happiness altogether.

When we make a decision or take an action, should we try to benefit everyone or only those who are directly affected by our actions?
How far does that net get cast to include who we should consider, or be required to consider, in our utilitarian decisions?