Utilitarianism: A Very Short Introduction

Abstract

Utilitarianism: A Very Short Introduction describes the nature, varieties, and justifications of utilitarianism, from its origins to arguments that draw on current research in neuroscience. Utilitarianism remains as influential—and controversial—as it was when Mill drew on it to argue for equality for women. It is often rejected because it seems to clash with widely accepted moral views. Could utilitarianism justify torture? Is only pleasure or happiness of intrinsic value? This VSI presents the strengths of utilitarian ethics and its challenge to our thinking on such issues as global poverty, speciesism, climate change, reducing the risk of human extinction, and end-of-life decisions for terminally ill patients.