Textuality » 5ALS Interacting
- OF THE PRINCIPLE OF UTILITY
- from An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, 1780
- TASK
a) The definition of utility
b) The principle on which it is based
c) The way in which utility can affect policies
a) Utility is a propriety in any object that tends to produce benefit, advantage, pleasure, good, or happiness. Utility also prevents the happening of mischief, pain, evil, or unhappiness to the party whose interest is considered.
b) The principle of utility is based on the tendency it has to augment the happiness of the community, that is greater than any it has to diminish it.
c) Utility can affect policies when a measure of government has to augment the happiness of the community. And this measure is greater than any which it has to diminish it.