Utilitarianism: Pleasure Over Pain

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Utilitarianism: Pleasure over Pain Principle of Utility, according to Jeremy Bentham is that “nature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure” (Curtis, 1981). Governed by desires, most of us tend to choose pleasurable benefits over the other when making endeavours; we make sure to gain the maximum level of happiness. This is explained by the theory called Utilitarianism wherein a certain individual is always in pursuit of self-interest seeking pleasure and avoiding pain in the process. Furthermore, this theory could aid certain institutions in the government to make decisions by using the Felicific Calculus. Utilitarianism sprung from a British phenomenon and was spearheaded by Jeremy Bentham and …show more content…

Mill. As discussed above, utilitarianism provides maximum happiness but when we inject the word justice, one cannot attain maximum happiness because there will be limitations imposed. Pleasure for one may be pain for others. Government is to protect its people therefore they must apply penalties such as imprisonment, fines, and even execution to prevent pain to others (Tannenbaum, 2012). But being subjected to this kind of situation can cause the degree of happiness to decrease. This could be considered an anti-thesis to the principle of utility. The government is focused more on the pain over pleasure. The state has the power to punish a certain individual who is considered as a threat in the society, which is part of its police powers. Mill thinks the degree of happiness varies on the action the actor performs. A correct choice will result to an increase in happiness and otherwise entails decrease in happiness. However, “laws must be tailored so that the punishment fits the crime” (Tannenbaum, 2012). For example, a particular state prior to existing laws on juvenile punishment, subjects thieves to cut off their hands. If a 7 year old kid stole a piece of bread, they would definitely cut his hand. Because of this wrong choice regardless of laws, the kid’s pleasure is at minimum degree. At present, an existing law protects the underage accused to be subjected to state penalties. Thus, a 7 year old kid who stole the bread would be free from any punishments. On lighter note, tax exemptions can be given to charitable institutions because they are helping those who are in need through their own financing and it is not reasonable for the government to impose taxes for

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