Benthamism

Benthamism, founded by philosopher Jeremy Bentham, is a form of Utilitarianism focused on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering. It argues that the rightness or wrongness of actions is determined by their consequences, specifically how much pleasure or pain they produce. Bentham proposed a "principle of utility," suggesting we should choose actions that lead to the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. This approach emphasizes measurable outcomes, often using a "hedonic calculus" to weigh pleasures against pains, guiding ethical decision-making towards overall well-being in society.