If an action would increase the good of twenty-five people by one unit each and an alternative action would increase the good of one person by twenty-six units, then, according to utilitarianism, the latter action should be taken.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to utilitarianism, the moral action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure. In this case, the alternative action that would increase the good of one person by twenty-six units would result in a greater overall increase in happiness than the action that would only increase the good of twenty-five people by one unit each. Therefore, according to utilitarianism, the latter action should be taken.

If an Action Would Increase the Good of Twenty-Five People