What Are the Three Basic Principles of Utilitarianism?

First mentioned in the 18th century by Scottish philosopher David Hume, utilitarianism is a moral doctrine that is increasingly influential in recent times.

• Utilitarianism is not based on utility, but the intrinsic value of something based on pleasure or happiness, or both.
• A screwdriver has an instrumental value, as it is useful while doing carpentry or repair work, but it does not provide any pleasure or happiness.
• A red rose provides both pleasure and happiness, which is why it has an intrinsic value.

1. We value something because it gives us either pleasure or happiness, or both.
2. The more happiness any action creates, the better that action is.
3. Happiness counts equally for everyone involved. Example: Everyone in an organization should be happy, not just the top executives or leaders.