OF THE PRINCIPLE OF UTILITY 

from An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, 1780 

a) Utility is a sort of measure which can by applied to any object according to happiness, good or pleasure it can bring, on a quantitative scale. Utility can be considered by the point of view of the individual, or by the one of the community.

b) An action correctly undergoes the word “utility” when it brings happiness to the community or, at least, dimishes the pain.

c) In taking decisions for a Country, utility is when a measure or a decision generates more benefit among a part of the population than the pain it generates among a minor part of it.

 Corrected version