ABSTRACT

As an ethical theory utilitarianism has a number of strengths. First, it is profoundly egalitarian. In its classic statement the overall aim of conduct should be to promote the greatest good of the greatest number, and in calculating the sum of human happiness each is rigorously to count for one, and 'none for more than one (Williams, 1972, p. 36). Secondly, it has the advantage of being thoroughly down to earth in that it provides a ready antidote to humbug, such as rules and regulations which appear to exist for their own sake and serve no obvious purpose, or the pursuit of traditions and high ideals which not only produce no increase of human happiness, but actually make people miserable.