Difference Between Consequentialism And Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is a doctrine that an action is right if it promotes happiness. Like consequentialist, Utilitarian’s judge the morality of an action based on its consequences. The action that produces the best consequences is the right action. The difference between consequentialism and utilitarianism is that utilitarian’s focus on engaging in acts that produce the best consequences for the greatest number of people. This theory was developed by Jeremy Bentham and subsequently John Stuart mill. Utilitarianism is anti-egoism as the happiness of others matter just as much as one’s own happiness. Utilitarianism also defers from other ethical theories as the motive of an action has nothing to do with the morality of the act as long as it produces the best consequences possible. Whether the motive behind the action is wrong or right is completely irrelevant. Mill presents an argument for the value of utilitarianism as a moral theory. He suggests that happiness should be the criterion of morality. The morality of an action should be judged based on the consequences produced because if the action is morally right, it produces the most good for everyone involved. Mills also follows on and suggests that happiness is the sole desire of human life. We thrive to achieve the utmost desire and happiness while avoiding actions that result in pain and sadness. If our sole desire is to achieve happiness, and we carry out moral acts with the intention of utilising this happiness for the self