The problem of measuring pleasure

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 122 views

The Concept of Utility: Understanding Jeremy Bentham's Philosophy

Jeremy Bentham, an 18th-century English philosopher, is renowned for his theory of utilitarianism. This concept is centered around the idea of maximizing overall happiness or pleasure. In this article, we will delve into the concept of utility, as defined by Bentham, and explore its significance in his philosophical framework.

What is Utility?

According to Bentham, utility is that property in an object that brings about or produces pleasure. This concept is the foundation of his utilitarianism, which aims to maximize overall happiness or pleasure. Bentham believed that individuals should strive to create the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. In his words, "it is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong."

The Principle of Utility

Bentham's principle of utility is based on the idea that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. This principle is often referred to as the "greatest happiness principle." According to Bentham, the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its utility, or the amount of pleasure it produces.

Types of Pleasure

Bentham identified two types of pleasure: sensory pleasure and moral pleasure. Sensory pleasure refers to the pleasure derived from physical sensations, such as eating, drinking, or engaging in physical activities. Moral pleasure, on the other hand, refers to the pleasure derived from doing good or virtuous actions.

The Hedonic Calculus

Bentham developed a method for calculating the utility of an action, which he called the hedonic calculus. This calculus involves weighing the pleasure and pain of an action to determine its overall utility. Bentham identified seven factors to consider when calculating the utility of an action:

Intensity: The intensity of the pleasure or pain
Duration: The length of time the pleasure or pain lasts
Certainty: The certainty of the pleasure or pain
Propinquity: The nearness or remoteness of the pleasure or pain
Fecundity: The likelihood of the pleasure or pain being repeated
Purity: The purity of the pleasure or pain (i.e., whether it is free from pain or vice)
Extent: The extent of the pleasure or pain (i.e., how many people are affected)

Critique of Bentham's Theory

While Bentham's theory of utility has had a significant impact on Western philosophy, it has also been subject to various criticisms. Some of the key criticisms include:

The problem of measuring pleasure: Bentham's theory relies on the idea that pleasure can be measured, but this is a difficult task. How can we quantify pleasure, and what are the units of measurement?
The problem of interpersonal comparison: Bentham's theory assumes that it is possible to compare the pleasure of different individuals, but this is a difficult task. How can we compare the pleasure of one person to the pleasure of another?
The problem of cultural relativism: Bentham's theory assumes that pleasure is a universal concept, but this is not the case. What is considered pleasurable in one culture may not be considered pleasurable in another.

In conclusion, Bentham's concept of utility is a central idea in his philosophical framework. According to Bentham, utility is that property in an object that brings about or produces pleasure. His principle of utility is based on the idea that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. While Bentham's theory has had a significant impact on Western philosophy, it has also been subject to various criticisms. Nevertheless, his concept of utility remains an important idea in the history of philosophy.

Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation.
Bentham, J. (1822). The Rationale of Reward.
Mill, J. S. (1861). Utilitarianism.

The Oxford Handbook of Utilitarianism
The Cambridge Companion to Jeremy Bentham
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Utilitarianism
Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Jeremy Bentham's Concept of Utility

Jeremy Bentham's concept of utility is a fundamental idea in his philosophical framework. As we explored in our previous article, Bentham believed that utility is that property in an object that brings about or produces pleasure. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Bentham's concept of utility.

Q: What is the main idea behind Bentham's concept of utility?

A: The main idea behind Bentham's concept of utility is that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. This is often referred to as the "greatest happiness principle."

Q: What are the two types of pleasure identified by Bentham?

A: Bentham identified two types of pleasure: sensory pleasure and moral pleasure. Sensory pleasure refers to the pleasure derived from physical sensations, such as eating, drinking, or engaging in physical activities. Moral pleasure, on the other hand, refers to the pleasure derived from doing good or virtuous actions.

Q: What is the hedonic calculus, and how does it work?

A: The hedonic calculus is a method developed by Bentham for calculating the utility of an action. It involves weighing the pleasure and pain of an action to determine its overall utility. The calculus considers seven factors, including intensity, duration, certainty, propinquity, fecundity, purity, and extent.

Q: How does Bentham's concept of utility relate to morality?

A: Bentham's concept of utility is closely tied to morality. According to Bentham, actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. This means that morality is based on the principle of utility, and actions are considered moral if they contribute to the greatest happiness.

Q: What are some of the criticisms of Bentham's concept of utility?

A: Some of the criticisms of Bentham's concept of utility include:

The problem of measuring pleasure: Bentham's theory relies on the idea that pleasure can be measured, but this is a difficult task. How can we quantify pleasure, and what are the units of measurement?
The problem of interpersonal comparison: Bentham's theory assumes that it is possible to compare the pleasure of different individuals, but this is a difficult task. How can we compare the pleasure of one person to the pleasure of another?
The problem of cultural relativism: Bentham's theory assumes that pleasure is a universal concept, but this is not the case. What is considered pleasurable in one culture may not be considered pleasurable in another.

Q: How has Bentham's concept of utility influenced modern thought?

A: Bentham's concept of utility has had a significant impact on modern thought. His idea that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people has influenced fields such as economics, politics, and ethics. His concept of utility has also been applied in various areas, including law, medicine, and education.

Q: What are some of the limitations of Bentham's concept of utility?

A: Some of the limitations of Bentham's concept of utility include:

The difficulty of measuring pleasure: As mentioned earlier, Bentham's theory relies on the idea that pleasure can be measured, but this is a difficult task.
The problem of interpersonal comparison: Bentham's theory assumes that it is possible to compare the pleasure of different individuals, but this is a difficult task.
The problem of cultural relativism: Bentham's theory assumes that pleasure is a universal concept, but this is not the case.

In conclusion, Bentham's concept of utility is a fundamental idea in his philosophical framework. His idea that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people has had a significant impact on modern thought. While his theory has been subject to various criticisms, it remains an important idea in the history of philosophy.

Bentham, J. (1789). An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation.
Bentham, J. (1822). The Rationale of Reward.
Mill, J. S. (1861). Utilitarianism.

The Oxford Handbook of Utilitarianism
The Cambridge Companion to Jeremy Bentham
The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Utilitarianism