Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism According to J.J.C. Smart, utilitarianism is a theory that all actions are judged by their consequences. The following paper will deal with two forms of utilitarianism: 1) extreme utilitarianism, and 2) restricted utilitarianism. J.J.C. Smart outlines the various aspects of each of these forms of utilitarianism in his paper, Extreme and Restricted Utilitarianism. These aspects will be discussed in the current paper. The differences between the two forms of utilitarianism will also be discussed. Within his paper, J.J.C. Smart poses some very valid challenges towards utilitarianism. This paper will outline these challenges and propose some possible rebuttals from John Stuart Mill. Extreme Utilitarianism According to Smart, an extreme utilitarian believes that general rules are simply rules of thumb that we use in order to avoid having to figure out the possible consequences of our actions at every step. Smart also states that an extreme utilitarian will direct his behaviour according to the rules of morality. The examples Smart provides are “do not lie”, and “do not break promises”. Use religion as an example. Most religions follow fairly strict rules and/or commandments. These rules are followed because utilitarianism, smart, extreme, restricted, paper, consequences, utilitarian, rules, mill, example, according, however, two, possible, people, drowning, because, actions, motorist, morality, made, jjc, friend, discussed, decisions, current, smart’s, rule, reference, promise, out, one, mill’s, happiness, following