Why Utilitarianism Should Be Used As The Base Theory

Utilitarianism, in its true meaning, is an ethical theory that holds that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure and minimizes overall pain or suffering. It’s based on the idea that morality should be based on the greatest good for the greatest number of people, and that this morality should be judged based on its consequences, not on the intentions of the person committing the acts. This theory has been influential in many aspects of society and is why I will be explaining the reasons as to why utilitarianism should be used as the base theory when it comes to the betterment of society.
But first, in order to understand the importance of why utilitarianism can and should be used, you have to look into why thinking

In terms of utilitarianism, there are five main benefits that come with having it as a base theory for the betterment of society, 1: It promotes the greater good; 2: it can help provide for more rational decision making; 3: it can reduce unnecessary harm; 4: it can help promote compassion and empathy; and 5: it gives a flexible approach to morality and what exactly morality means. All five of these benefits relate to each other and lead into the next, adding up to ways in which can help individuals better society.
The benefits that come with having utilitarianism as a base theory start with the simple fact that it promotes the greater good. Utilitarianism places a strong emphasis on promoting the common good and maximizing overall happiness and pleasure for the greatest number of people. This means that decision-making in society would be guided by a concern for the well-being of the majority, rather than the interests of a privileged few. This could potentially lead to policies and actions that benefit a large number of people and create a more equitable and harmonious

He uses the thought experiment known as the drowning child thought experiment which encompasses every aspect of each of the five benefits. This scenario puts you in the position as to where you are walking past a pond and you see a child drowning, you would go into the water to save the child, despite the possibility of ruining your own clothes. This is because the act of having your clothes muddy is the better alternative to the child dying. The giving up of the clothes is obviously worth sacrificing in order to save the child and therefore follows the path of having the greater good, making a rational decision, reducing unnecessary harm, promoting compassion and empathy, and even showing the flexible morality that comes from choosing to save the child despite your clothes (which might have been a determining factor for someone else in the same situation). This goes to show the significance of making choices that end in the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
But, even with these five benefits and the thought experiment which shows what should be a common sense thought process, there are ultimately critics who come in with the consequences of utilitarianism and why it’s something to be cautious of. Due to the fact that morality becomes flexible, there is opportunity for utilitarianism to justify