What are the merits and drawbacks of utilitarianism as a guide to moral conduct?
             The following will outline the contributions of Jeremy Bentham and John S. Mill to the utilitarian concept of moral and ethical conduct 'to pursue that action which creates most happiness for the greatest number', and will examine the contributions and limitations of utilitarianism prior to an evaluation and conclusion. This essay will show that utilitarianism can be a useful philosophy to apply when dealing with less complicated and practical everyday decisions however; it is by no means superlative when dealing with more serious and complex issues.
             Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism; its philosophy pays little attention to the motive of moral conduct, focusing instead on the consequences of a moral action. Jeremy Bentham was an English philosopher, born in London (1748 - 1832) and the founder of utilitarianism. Bentham believed the interest of society is at one with the individual, and took on the guiding principle upon which utilitarianism is based 'that action is best which procures the greatest happiness for the greatest numbers' (Magee, 1998, p.183). Bentham moulded this maxim into a moral philosophy, which concentrated on the outcome of moral actions being used as a guide to making the best or correct decision, hence utilitarianism means judging each action by it's utility or usefulness. Bentham believed that good consequences gave pleasure and bad consequences gave pain; therefore in any situation the correct course of action would be to pursue the one that would maximise the excess of pleasure over pain. Bentham believed everyone could experience pleasure, and unlike his apprentice, John S. Mill (1806 - 1873), Bentham did not distinguish between types or levels of pleasure. Mill on the other hand supported Bentham's approach to a point, however he reacted to Bentham's idea of happiness by arguing...