Utilitarianism's central commitment is to the promotion of well-being, impartially considered. If scarce resources should be directed where they will best promote well-being, and if theoretical attention is a scarce resource, then moral theorists should focus on topics that are most important to the future promotion of well-being.
The book explores utilitarianism as a dynamic philosophy centered on achieving the greatest happiness for the majority. It provides an overview of the movement's origins in the 18th and 19th centuries, then examines how key themes evolved throughout the 20th century. By presenting utilitarianism as a living tradition, it highlights its relevance and adaptability in addressing contemporary ethical issues.
Imagine living in the future in a world already damaged by humankind, a world where resources are insufficient to meet everyone's basic needs and where a chaotic climate makes life precarious. Then imagine looking into the past - back to our own time - and assessing the ethics of the early twenty-first century.