1. Meaning of Utilitarianism

• Definition: Utilitarianism is a moral theory asserting that actions are right if they promote happiness and wrong if they cause pain or suffering.
• Foundation: Rooted in Hedonism, which prioritizes achieving the greatest joy as life’s primary aim.
• Measure of Actions:
  • Actions that maximize happiness are good.
  • Actions that cause pain are bad.
• Key Principle: Actions should maximize pleasure and minimize pain for the greatest number of people.

2. The Form of Utilitarianism and State

• Origin: Introduced by Jeremy Bentham and further developed by J.S. Mill.
• Philosophy:
  • The state’s purpose is to ensure the greatest good for the greatest number.
  • The state exists as a utilitarian institution for public benefit rather than divine or natural rights.
• Criticism of Natural Rights:
  • Rejected divine or social contract theories.
  • Argued the state was created for individual and collective benefits.
• Balance Between Ideologies:
  • Opposed complete idealism, which absorbs the individual in the state.
  • Also opposed extreme individualism, which limits state functions to protection only.
• Reformist Approach:
  • Advocated state intervention in social and legal reforms.
  • Focused on public welfare initiatives like education, healthcare, and prison reform.
• Economic Views:
  • Supported private enterprise and minimal state interference in economic matters.
  • Emphasized individual economic freedom for overall welfare.

3. Criticism Against Utilitarianism

• Focus on Self-interest:
  • Prioritizes personal pleasure, ignoring values like sacrifice, service, and selflessness.
  • Leads to a society driven solely by individual satisfaction.
• Oversimplified Human Nature:
  • Assumes people act only for personal happiness and to avoid pain.
  • Neglects qualities like compassion, faith, empathy, and altruism.
  • Example: Indian freedom fighters endured hardships for ideals beyond personal joy.
• Overemphasis on Physical Comfort: Concentrates on material pleasure while ignoring spiritual and moral well-being.
• Majority Tyranny:
  • Risks oppression of minorities under the guise of majority welfare.
  • Example: Displacement of Hindus in Pakistan demonstrates the misuse of this doctrine.
• Ignorance of Ethical Depth: Simplifies complex societal dynamics into mere calculations of happiness and pain.

4. Conclusion

• Significance:
  • Introduced utility as a benchmark for evaluating the state and its institutions.
  • Shifted focus from theoretical concepts to practical welfare and reform.
  • Encouraged social, political, and economic reforms during the 19th century.
• Limitations:
  • Fails to address moral, ethical, and minority concerns adequately.
• Legacy:
  • Despite flaws, remains influential as a progressive theory linked to public welfare and reforms.