context

enlightenment

• cultural movement of intellectuals beginning in the late 17th century western europe which emphasised rationality and greater individualism

• purpose was to reform society using reason, to challenge ideas grounded in tradition and faith and to advance knowledge through scientific method

• moved away from god-based ethics towards more secular ideas → morality based on human psychology

motivating people to do the right thing

• humans like physical sensations of pleasure, which provides them w a powerful incentive to do things which make them feel happy

industrial revolution

• took part between 1760-1840, when bentham was alive

• caused economic development, but also many social problems

• people lived in cramped, dirty conditions and worked long hours in dangerous factories

• prisoners were treated v badly and lived in terrible conditions

• probs w alcoholism and prostitution

• bentham wanted to change society and the impact of utilitarianism is testament to the strength, relevance and popularity of the ideas

change that utilitarianism brought about

• brought about social change through its emphasis on the importance of the majority instead of the minority who were landowners and factory owners and had immense wealth and power at that time

dissonance w christianity

went against dominant christian view that poverty was the will of god and therefore should not be reformed or changed

also denied that suffering could serve a greater religious purpose

provided a flexible ethic that sought beneficial outcomes, rather than following strict moral absolutes taught by