Problems and prospects for Utilitarianism

This essay will deal with the problems and prospects for Utilitarianism, outlining the basic tenants of its philosophy and the problems that can occur while using it as a basis for moral living. It will outline, evaluate, and dismiss three different strands; act utilitarianism, rule utilitarianism and the last which is a combination of both. The history should be illustrated putting into context why utilitarianism was initially attractive; this will also demonstrate where the modern …

…and out way the benefits. The prospects, as the theory currently exist, to be used as a moral theory is not good, if any exist at all. Bibliography Anthony Kelbrook, Ed, Mill, Plain Text from Key Thinkers, (Parma Books: London, 1997). Frederick Coplestone, S.J. A History of Philosophy, Volume VIII, (Doubleday: London, 1994). Ted Honderich, Ed, The Oxford Companion to Philosophy, (OUP: Oxford, 1995). http:enwikipedia.org/wiki/Utiitarianism Mark Timmons, Conduct and Character, (Thomson Wadsworth: Belmont, 2003).