This origin-of-ethics
theory, proposed by
Jeremy Bentham and
James Mill, declared that all action should be directed toward achieving the greatest
happiness for the greatest number of people. Originating in the 1800s, this theory strongly represents the (duh)
utilitarian ideas of the
industrial revolution: "Let's make things work!" There are 2 main sub-categories of Utilitarian theory:
Act-utilitarians believe that people should perform actions that serve other people. That is what makes one 'good.'
Rule-utilitarins believe that rules are made for the good of the majority of people. Therefore, a good person follows the rules.
A standard criticism of Utilitarian theory is that it would be perfectly morally acceptable to execute innocent people to prevent social ill for the majority. However, most of us find this immoral.