The Elements of Moral Philosophy

As an action-guiding philosophy, Utilitarianism appears at first glance to be satisfactory. When an actor is weighing alternative actions in a utilitarian society that actor will choose whatever action is expected to have, in Rachels' words, "the best overall consequences for everyone concerned (80)." In this, the most happiness is produced, and the Principle of Utility is satisfied. As Rachels rightly observes, this brand of moral philosophy, in keeping its overarching principles in the realm of the corporeal, swiftly wrenches ethics out of the hands of God. Human beings, acting as Utilitarians, need not memorize a code of conduct or adhere to an abstract standard of Goodness in order to act rightly. All humans will need to satisfy the Principle of Utility is common sense: a feel for what will promote pleasure and reduce pain, and thus have the most favorable

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Approximate Word count = 1030
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page)

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