Types of Ultililtarianism

There are two types of Utilitarianism, Act and Rule. Jeremy Betham played the key role in the development of the concept of Act Utilitarianism whereas John Stuart Mill took Bethamâs act utilitarianism and developed it further into his own version, becoming known as Rule Utilitarianism. 

* Act Utilitarianism 

Every decision requires the use of the hedonic calculus to objectively define the best decision - the decision that will bring the greatest good to the greatest amount of people.

* Rule Utilitarianism

Decisions should be made using general rules that were created using the utilitarian principle of maximising the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. Exceptions to the rules can be made as long as it is judged that the amount of good would be maximised by doing so. This makes utilitarianism more practical because decisions can be made quickly and as humanity advances so does its rules (through trial and error and the observation of which action presents the greatest good).

Jeremy Bentham -

* Invented the first type of utilitarianism: Act Utilitarianism

* Came up with the use of the hedonic calculus

* Famous saying "nature has put us under two sovereign masters: pleasure and pain."

John Stuart Mill -

* Developed Bentham's work

* Invented Rule Utilitarianism

* Brought in the idea that there are 'higher' and 'lower' pleasures

* Famous quote: "it is better to be an unsatisfied Socrates than a satisfied pig.

* Believed in individual liberty so long as it didn't cause harm to anyone else.

* Stated that 'children and savages' should not be considered in Utilitarian calculations.