Part I History of Ethics Life of Socrates Part II Concepts and
Problems Normative Ethics and Applied Ethics Part III Applied
Ethics Field of Applied Ethics Utilitarianism is a normative
ethical theory that places the locus of right and wrong solely
on the outcomes (consequences) of choosing one action/policy
over other actions/policies. As such, it moves beyond the scope
of one's own interests and takes into account the interests of
others. Bentham's Principle of Utility: (1) Recognizes the
fundamental role of pain and pleasure in human life, (2)
approves or disapproves of an action on the basis of the amount
of pain or pleasure brought about i.e, consequences, (3) equates
good with pleasure and evil with pain, and (4) asserts that
pleasure and pain are capable of quantification (and hence
'measure'). In measuring pleasure and pain, Bentham introduces
the following criteria: INTENSITY, DURATION, CERTAINTY (or
UNCERTAINTY), and its NEARNESS (or FARNESS). He also includes
its "fecundity" (will more of the same