Relevance: The topic is a part of UPSC CSE General Studies Paper-IV Ethics syllabus. Concepts are particularly relevant in the theory section. Aspirants will also find the article useful for their Essay paper and situation-based questions in personality tests. Moreover, the article’s essence will help aspirants professionally and in life. Nanditesh Nilay writes for UPSC Ethics Simplified fortnightly. The first article will be a concept while the second article will be a caselet, based on the concept. Don’t miss the ‘Post Read Question’ below. In the data-driven world, the term ‘ theory’ sounds heavy and mostly something which is otiose and of little use in our practical lives. In this context do you think that knowledge of ethical theories, apart from qualifying the examination, is still relevant for individuals and saves one from veering off from righteousness? Especially in governance where sometimes decision-making and ethical dilemmas are surrounded by an impregnable wall of past decisions. Many experiences tell us that there is a huge significance of ethical theories in our day-to-day life and certainly in legislative, executive and judicial spheres. This is simply because the intent and meaning of all theories guide us in the direction of decision-making. Hence, in this series of Ethics Simplified we begin with ethical theories from today. Let's start first by defining and explaining the theory of Utilitarianism. Who were Utilitarian thinkers. An English philosopher at the age of three began learning Latin. He was an economist and a legal scholar. He was also referred to as the Father of Utilitarianism. His name was Jeremy Bentham(1748-1832). Bentham with another English philosopher, John Stuart Mill( 1806-1873) worked hard to understand, explore and determine the best course of moral action in any form of decision making. They believed that the right choice of moral action is nothing but maximising the utility factor of that action. But what is Utilitarianism. Let’s first define utility. It is an inclusive term which is used to address net benefits produced by an action. This leads us to define utilitarianism. Utilitarianism as a principle advocates that from an ethical point of view, an action is right if the sum total of the utilities produced by a particular act emerges greater than the sum total of utilities generated by any other act. So here Bentham meant to express that any action can be evaluated through the moral lens of utility. If the action is maximising happiness or pleasure and minimising suffering or pain among stakeholders who are affected by that decision, then that action or decision of the agent is the morally right decision. In other words, all policies and distribution of benefits must carry the greatest measure of utility for people. Hence, a famous slogan coined by Bentham reads: "The greatest good for the greatest number.” Examples. Let’s discuss a few examples. The whole drive for vaccination at the time of the pandemic was certainly maximising happiness as it was seen as a ray of hope. However, there was also resentment as people were not sure about the effect of vaccination. But the more dominating question was the survival of the community. And it was indispensable. Lockdown can be another example. One can debate on its time, magnitude and restrictions, still, no one can deny that the decision maximised utility. Recent incident in UPSC coaching hub and Utilitarianism. Interestingly utilitarianism itself guides us with the rationale of explaining why some decisions or actions are simply wrong or generally right. For example, cheating, apathy or negligence of duty is morally wrong. Recently we have seen that though UPSC coaching institutes were making a lot of money and providing benefits to the aspirants too, the death of students and their pathetic condition of living can be assessed and evaluated in terms of utilitarianism. Even utility in economics, influences the cost-benefit factor and defines efficiency where the desired output can be achieved by putting in the lowest resource. Policy makers and Utilitarianism. The theory of utilitarianism gives a chance to decision-makers to create a proper framework based on the beneficial and harmful consequences of that decision or policy. John Stuart Mill wrote, "The happiness which forms the utilitarian standard of what is right in conduct, is not the agent’s own happiness, but that of all concerned.” Here Mill shared wisdom for policy makers too who are involved in the policy formulation in the democratic form of government which promises the canvass of a welfare state. He further writes by quoting Jesus of Nazareth's golden rule: “To do as you would be done by,” and “to love your neighbour as yourself” constitute the ideal perfection of utilitarian morality.” Rahul Dravid and Utilitarianism. If you follow cricket you would remember that in a world where several zeroes in your salary determine your status and achievements, Rahul Dravid’s refusal of a cheque of seven zeroes was a jaw-dropping renouncement. Dravid insisted on pay parity with his assistants as a coach after the Indian men's cricket team won the T20 World Cup title . Of the Rs 125 crore BCCI windfall to the team, the head coach was to get Rs 5 crore but Dravid reportedly wanted exactly what other coaches were getting — Rs 2.5 crore. This was a great gesture of maximising happiness among team members and others who heard about it. He defined the utility of an act, so beautifully. Also, he resuscitated utilitarianism from being understood only in terms of economics rather than ethically guided moral action. So what. It is apposite to read and explain utilitarianism more in terms of desired output or maximising happiness rather than just the cost. Ultimately, policies and benefits are for the betterment of the community. And that maximises happiness or serves as the greatest good for the greatest number. Post Read Question for UPSC Mains: “Society between equals can only exist on the understanding that the interests of all are to be regarded equally.” Discuss. (The writer is the author of ‘Being Good and Aaiye, Insaan Banaen’ and ‘Ethikos: Stories Searching Happiness’. He teaches courses on and offers training in ethics, values and behaviour. He has been the expert/consultant to UPSC, SAARC countries, Civil services Academy, National Centre for Good Governance, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Competition Commission of India (CCI), etc. He has PhD in two disciplines and has been a Doctoral Fellow in Gandhian Studies from ICSSR. His second PhD is from IIT Delhi on Ethical Decision Making among Indian Bureaucrats. He writes for the UPSC Ethics Simplified (Concepts and Caselets) fortnightly.) The Indian Express UPSC Essentials brings to you the August edition of its monthly magazine. Click Here to read. Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. For your queries and suggestions write at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com.
