The Theory of Utilitarianism:


Utilitarianism is a theory proliferated from the ethical theories of the late 18th century that advocated performing actions to maximize happiness and well being for the affected individuals. The major figures who propounded this philosophy were Jeremy Bentham(1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873).
John Stuart mill possessed a ‘humane, analytic and lucid mind’ and his writings were written in such a pragmatic and disinterested manner that helped to reform thoughts. Accompanied with the teachings of his father, James Mill and Jeremy Bentham, the ‘utilitarian reformers’, John determined to work on the development of the utilitarian philosophy. He was an astute propagandist and explicator of those views on human welfare and politics. His views helped construct the new theory of happiness and political system based on the greatest happiness principle. In his essay ‘Utilitarianism’, Mill expresses an awareness of the complicated, varied human experiences.
  James Mill and Jeremy Bentham emphasized that education is the primary key to the mental development of a child. Therefore, they advocated a rigorous educational curriculum that focused on the subjects such as, natural science, mathematics, politics, economy and philosophy. They intended to foster the development of a child’s reasoning capacity. This kind of educational system was parodied by Charles Dickens in his portrayal of Thomas Gradgrind and his fact bound school room, actually murdering the innocents in Hard Times(1854)

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