Utilitarianism

This insightful introduction explores the influential and controversial ethical theory of utilitarianism, addressing its origins and modern relevance. Utilitarianism offers a thought-provoking examination of moral challenges.

Utilitarianism is a significant and influential secular philosophy that has sparked extensive debate and controversy over the years. This Utilitarianism introduction delves into its origins and examines its relevance to contemporary moral dilemmas. The authors, Peter Singer and Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek, provide a thorough exploration of utilitarianism, addressing the various arguments and discussions that surround this ethical approach.

The book highlights that utilitarianism is not only one of the most widely recognized ethical theories today, but it also faces numerous challenges. For instance, it often conflicts with traditional moral perspectives and human rights concepts, particularly when these rights are viewed as absolute. A provocative question raised in the book is whether it would be morally acceptable to torture a suspected terrorist to prevent a potential mass attack. This dilemma illustrates the complexities and ethical considerations inherent in utilitarian thought.

In their analysis, Singer and de Lazari-Radek discuss what utilitarians should prioritize in their moral considerations, focusing on the classical view that pleasure or happiness holds intrinsic value. They conclude by emphasizing the ongoing significance of utilitarianism in addressing pressing global issues, such as poverty, animal rights, climate change, and public policy evaluation. The Utilitarianism introduction provides a concise yet comprehensive overview of this influential philosophical framework, making it accessible to a broad audience.