Utilitarianism.

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Utilitarianism According to J.J.C. Smart, utilitarianism is a theory that all actions are judged by their consequences. The following paper will deal with two forms of utilitarianism: 1) extreme utilitarianism, and 2) restricted utilitarianism. J.J.C. Smart outlines the various aspects of each of these forms of utilitarianism in his paper, Extreme and Restricted Utilitarianism. These aspects will be discussed in the current paper. The differences between the two forms of utilitarianism will also be discussed. Within his paper, J.J.C. Smart poses some very valid challenges towards utilitarianism. This paper will outline these challenges and propose some possible rebuttals from John Stuart Mill. Extreme Utilitarianism According to Smart, an extreme utilitarian believes that general rules are simply ...

... might be quick to jump into the water to save another life; however what if the potential rescuer cannot swim? Would they then be seen as immoral because of their lack of action? If we consider Mill's view- point, that seems to be the only conclusion. With the same example in mind, Mill would argue that most people would save the drowning person not for the benefit of the world, but for that of the individual. Basing decisions on the what will provide the most happiness for the most amount of people, is not always an easy task. More often than not, our decisions are selfish, or are only made to provide

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