That Action is best which procures the greatest Happiness for the greatest Numbers; and that worst, which, in like manner, occasions misery.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Best actions create the most happiness for the most people.
- In plain terms
- Do what makes the most people happy; avoid what makes them miserable.
- What can you take from it?
- Maximize happiness for the greatest number of people.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Whose happiness matters most?
- What if happiness conflicts?
Another view
Minority interests may be overlooked by this rule.
More from Francis Hutcheson
The ultimate notion of right is that which tends to the universal good; and when one's acting in a certain manner has this tendency he has a right thus to act.
Permalink to quote #2 Wisdom denotes the pursuing of the best ends by the best means.
Permalink to quote #3
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