Swetha Sree Murikipudi, Damadoram Sanjevyya National Law University, (DSNLU) Visakhapatnam
ABSTRACT
The Concept of Utilitarianism, dates back to the Hedonistic school of thought, developed by the Greeks of Epicurean School of Thought (Followers of Epicurus). Utilitarianism, locates morality in consequences of an action. For it good consequences equate to good actions. It laid emphasis on maximisation of good, commonly understood ‘as the greatest good for the greatest number of persons. Everybody’s happiness counts but not at the cost of greatest numbers. The classical Utilitarian theorists, Jeremy Bentham and J.S. Mill were much concerned in reforms be it legal and social. It advocates, that there are two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure, and they govern all of our actions. By employing utility in law, what the principle aims is to maximise pleasure and minimise the pain. The concept greatest happiness for greatest number of persons, had been a bone of contention, to many thinkers, as it neglects the happiness of few and turn into number game of tyranny, however, Bentham made it clear, even if majority’s views are considered, the community as a whole will be at loss, be it in terms of deviant behaviour as such.
By virtue of this project, we shall venture into the concept of Utilitarianism, and in that emphasising on the early life of J.S. Mill and his contributions to the study. J.S. Mill, was heavily influenced by the teachings of Bentham, since his early stage of life and he was considered as one who was himself a critic of Bentham’s theory and answered few critics of Bentham’s theory. By that, we shall also understand the major contributions of Mill and its relevance today’ s world.
Keywords: Utilitarianism, J.S.Mill, Highest Pleasure, Contributions, Relevance in contemporary times.
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