3.6 Utility as a point of reference for ethical behaviour

Utilitarianism is a widespread ethic originating from the Anglo-Saxon world, whose classic representatives include the English philosophers Jeremy Bentham (1748 - 1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806 - 1873).

Ethics of this type focus on the consequences of actions, which is why they can also be described as consequentialist ethics. The criterion for ethical behaviour is the greatest possible benefit for the greatest possible number of people. The basic idea behind this stems from the anthropological assumption that humans strive to increase their pleasure and avoid suffering. This initially sounds like an approach that seems to follow highly selfish motives.

Example

For the sustainability officer in our example, this could lead to the conclusion that she is covering up for her colleague and maintaining harmony and friendship with him.