The Role of Induction in Utilitarianism: A Critical Analysis

Abstract

Utilitarianism is an important theme of normative ethics. It still contains application for more research to introduce a more rational and acceptable explanation though thinkers have talked much about it. They all agree in one point that is the cardinal end of life is to desire happiness but differ in using principles to judge happiness. In utilitarianism we regard the action as morally right if it provides pleasure and wrong when it tends to produce pain. The classical outlook of the theory adds the number of people with pleasure. It holds the view that our moral duty is to produce maximum pleasure for the maximum number of the society. However, the theory can be explained with different dimensions. It follows the inductive method to be constructed though the key spirit of the method conflicts with it. Despite this, there is no way to deny the significance of utilitarian principle in taking decision or judging action in our practical life.