Ethics Presentation Script
1.Introduction:-
“Hello everyone, and welcome to our presentation on Utilitarianism.
We’ll explore a major ethical theory that has shaped modern thought about
morality, law, and social justice.
Our discussion is based on the writings of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart
Mill, who were the key thinkers behind utilitarianism. At its core, Utilitarianism
asks a fundamental question: "What action will produce the greatest good for
the greatest number of people?" This ethical framework shifts the focus of
moral evaluation from intentions, duties, or virtues to the tangible outcomes
and consequences of our choices.
2.Minds Behind the Movement:-
“Utilitarianism emerged in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It was largely
shaped by two remarkable thinkers: Jeremy Bentham and John
Stuart Mill. Their writings contain the fundamental statements of utilitarian
moral theory. Jeremy Bentham wrote “An Introduction to the Principles of
Morals and Legislation (1789),” where he argued that laws and actions should
aim at the ‘greatest happiness of the greatest number.’
John Stuart Mill, a follower of Bentham, took the idea further. He believed
morality is not opposed to pleasure but is actually about promoting human
well-being. Mill also emphasized personal freedom, saying society should only
interfere with individuals to prevent harm to others.
3.The Core Principle:-
“The central idea behind Utilitarianism is called the Principle of Utility, or the
Greatest Happiness Principle.
As Mill puts it, “Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote
happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the opposite of happiness.”
There are some other principle that guides Utilitarianism.
[Link] :– Here, outcomes matter most.
2. Welfarism :– Here, good and bad are defined in terms of welfare or well-being.
3. Impartiality – Everyone’s happiness will count equally.
4.Pleasure and Pain:-
“For Bentham and Mill, happiness equals pleasure and the absence of pain.
● Bentham famously said, ‘Nature has placed mankind under the governance of
two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure.’
● Mill pointed out that pleasures come in different forms—from simple bodily
pleasures like eating, to higher pleasures like art, knowledge, or helping others.
Importantly, utilitarianism treats happiness and pleasure as the only intrinsic
goods—good in themselves. Things like wealth or fame are only valuable if they
bring happiness.”
5.Types of Utilitarianism & Calculating Happiness:-
There are two main types of Utilitarianism :
1. Act Utilitarianism :– Which looks at individual actions.
For example, breaking a promise if it brings more happiness overall.
2. Rule Utilitarianism :– This focuses on general rules. For example, a society
where everyone keeps promises will likely produce more happiness in the long
run.”
“Now, how do we apply this in practice? Utilitarianism requires us to think about
the overall consequences of our actions, not just for ourselves but for everyone
affected.
For example:
● Act A makes me and two others happy.
● Act B makes me unhappy but five others happy.
According to utilitarianism, Act B is morally better because it maximizes total
happiness.
6.Criticism of Utilitarianism & Conclusion:-
“Utilitarianism has its own challenges as a principle. Critics say how can it justify
lying, stealing, or breaking promises just because it produces more happiness in
the short term. That’s why many modern utilitarians prefer rule utilitarianism,
since it emphasizes fairness and consistency.
Another issue is: how do we measure happiness? Can we really compare
different people’s pleasures and pains?
“While powerful, utilitarianism raises tough questions—what about fairness,
one’s moral identity, or gut feelings in hard dilemmas?”
Despite these challenges, utilitarianism remains one of the most influential
ethical theories. It has shaped debates in law, politics, medicine, and even
everyday decision-making.
So, to sum up: Utilitarianism is about maximizing happiness and minimizing pain
for the greatest number.
Thank You everyone for listening