Investigate the concept of utilitarianism. Which example best fits the philosophical idea?
A. The needs of one outweigh the needs of many
B. The needs of many outweigh the needs of few
C. If it makes me happy, then it doesn't matter if it makes everyone else unhappy
D. We ether all succeed, or we all fail, no in-between
B. The needs of many outweigh the needs of few
The concept of utilitarianism holds that the right course of action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being. It focuses on the consequences of an action rather than the intentions behind it. Based on this premise, option B, "The needs of many outweigh the needs of few," aligns best with the idea of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism aims to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people, even if it requires sacrificing the happiness or needs of a smaller group.
To investigate the concept of utilitarianism, we can start by understanding its core principle. Utilitarianism is a moral theory that focuses on producing the greatest overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. It considers the consequences of actions and promotes the idea of maximizing overall utility or happiness.
Now, let's evaluate each option to see which one best fits the philosophical idea of utilitarianism:
A. "The needs of one outweigh the needs of many": This option does not align with utilitarianism because it prioritizes the needs of the few over the needs of the many. Utilitarianism seeks to maximize overall happiness or well-being, so this approach conflicts with that principle.
B. "The needs of many outweigh the needs of few": This option is more in line with utilitarianism. It suggests that the well-being of a larger number of people should take precedence over the well-being of a smaller group.
C. "If it makes me happy, then it doesn't matter if it makes everyone else unhappy": This option does not align with the principle of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism emphasizes the well-being of the greatest number of people, not the happiness of an individual at the expense of others.
D. "We either all succeed, or we all fail, no in-between": This option doesn't explicitly mention happiness or well-being but aligns with the utilitarian idea of maximizing overall utility. If success is understood as a measure of well-being or happiness, this option can be seen as consistent with utilitarianism.
Based on this analysis, option B, "The needs of many outweigh the needs of few," fits the philosophical idea of utilitarianism best. It embraces the idea of prioritizing the well-being of a larger number of people.