Natural Rights, Rule and Act Utilitarianism

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Bentham's views on natural rights and how at first sight Utilitarianism seems to be antithetical to the idea of basic rights and whether it justifies the deprivation of an individual's basic rights to serve the interests of the greatest numbers. It also explains how the theory of utilitarianism would justify respect for certain rights, and discuss the difference between rule-utilitarianism and act-utilitarianism.

From the Paper:

"Jeremy Bentham believed in applying empirical methods, rationalism and deductive arguments to the development of moral and legal theories. At the outset of his Principles of Morals and Legislation he has identified the basis of the principle of Utility on which the Utilitarianism has been founded pain and pleasure, and calls them the two "sovereign masters" of mankind. The principle of utility, on which most of Bentham's work is based, has been explained by him as: "Any action that promotes happiness of an individual or lessens pain is right while any action that increases pain or decreases happiness is wrong." He further explains that the happiness of the individual is the same as the happiness of the community since the community is nothing but the sum total of individuals. Another key element in Bentham's theory of Utility is the concept of the happiness for the greatest number and his belief that the happiness for the greatest number of people is quantifiable. He has also expanded his theory to include the acts of not only the individuals but that of the government as well, and because of his interest in law, the scope of his work included the legislative and judicial reforms."

More papers on Natural Rights, Rule and Act Utilitarianism:

• Analytical Essay # 138351 : "Rule vs. Act Utilitarianism"
• Term Paper # 59864 : "Rule-Utilitarianism and Act-Utilitarianism"
• Comparison Essay # 129345 : "Mendelssohn and Hobbes on Natural Rights"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: