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30 Dec 2025
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OCR Religious Studies A Level - Utilitarianism Essay Example
Hannah Egan
@hannahegan_xyym
1 / 3
Understanding Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism follows the principle of utility - judging actions as right when they create the greatest happiness. As a teleological theory, it focuses on consequences rather than fixed rules. Jeremy Bentham developed act utilitarianism, believing all humans are governed by "the sovereign masters of pleasure and pain." His hedonic calculus helps quantify happiness by measuring intensity, duration, certainty, and other factors to reduce subjectivity.
A key strength of Bentham's approach is its democratic nature through the general benevolence principle - everyone's happiness counts equally. This makes utilitarianism useful for governments seeking to maximize happiness for their citizens. It's neither selfish nor completely selfless, as it prioritizes the greatest good for the most people.
However, Bernard Williams highlights a significant problem through his supererogation argument: utilitarianism seems to demand too much self-sacrifice. For example, comfortable British citizens should theoretically give away all possessions to help those in developing nations - but this isn't realistic or sustainable for most people.
Think about it: We all naturally weigh consequences when making decisions. Ever chosen between studying or going out with friends based on what would make you happier in the long run? That's utilitarian thinking in action!
Critics also point out that as a consequentialist theory, utilitarianism requires predicting future outcomes - an impossible task. This places heavy responsibility on decision-makers and allows too much freedom that could potentially lead to harmful choices, especially given how subjective happiness can be.
Mill's Rule Utilitarianism and Educational Value
J.S. Mill proposed rule utilitarianism as an improvement to Bentham's theory. Instead of calculating happiness for every decision, rule utilitarianism establishes general rules that typically maximize happiness. This comes in two forms: strong rule utilitarianism (always follow the rules) and weak rule utilitarianism (generally follow rules but break them when necessary).
Rule utilitarianism makes moral education more accessible. Children can more easily understand clear rules like "don't lie" rather than complex calculations using the hedonic calculus. This addresses a key weakness of act utilitarianism - that it requires high intellectual capacity to predict outcomes and quantify pleasure and pain.
Williams' example illustrates the challenge: if hiding Jews during Nazi Germany, should one lie when questioned? Strong rule utilitarians would have to tell the truth if they follow "never lie" - causing enormous harm. Weak rule utilitarians would likely lie, but this undermines the simplicity of having fixed rules.
Remember: Most of us make pre-commitments to certain actions before we're in difficult situations. You don't wait until you're being pressured to decide whether you'll cheat on an exam!
The subjectivity of utilitarianism poses another challenge. People experience pleasure differently - one person might find intense happiness in eating ice cream while another might not. This makes universal "right" decisions difficult to determine. However, even subjective decisions will usually maximize happiness for the individual making them.
Religious Perspectives and Critiques
Christianity offers mixed views on utilitarianism. Jesus seems to reject pure consequentialism when he says in Matthew 5:28, "everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart" - suggesting intentions matter more than consequences. Yet the Christian "golden rule" to "love your neighbour as yourself" reflects utilitarianism's general benevolence principle.
A serious critique is the tyranny of the majority problem. Utilitarianism could justify removing basic rights from minorities if it pleased the majority - for example, criminalizing homosexuality if most people supported it. John Rawls' justice argument explains this weakness: utilitarianism cares only about the quantity of happiness, not who receives it.
Bernard Williams' brutalism argument highlights another concern: no action is forbidden if it maximizes overall happiness. For example, murdering a homeless person to donate organs to save six children would be justified under strict utilitarianism, despite clearly violating our moral intuitions and legal systems. Rule utilitarianism helps address this by establishing rules against such acts.
Challenge yourself: Think about a difficult moral decision you've faced. How might a utilitarian approach have helped or hindered finding the right solution?
Despite these criticisms, utilitarianism's greatest strength may be that its intentions are always good. As Bentham argued, we're all naturally driven by seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. Utilitarianism is also universal - not tied to any specific religion or culture, making it accessible to everyone regardless of background.
In conclusion, while utilitarianism has significant weaknesses, particularly in its pure form, it remains helpful for moral decision-making. Rule utilitarianism addresses many concerns while maintaining focus on consequences rather than simply following rules without considering their real-world effects.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
OCR Religious Studies A Level - Utilitarianism Essay Example
Hannah Egan
@hannahegan_xyym
Utilitarianism is a moral theory based on the principle that the right action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number. This essay explores whether utilitarianism offers a helpful method for making moral decisions, examining both... Show more
Understanding Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism follows the principle of utility - judging actions as right when they create the greatest happiness. As a teleological theory, it focuses on consequences rather than fixed rules. Jeremy Bentham developed act utilitarianism, believing all humans are governed by "the sovereign masters of pleasure and pain." His hedonic calculus helps quantify happiness by measuring intensity, duration, certainty, and other factors to reduce subjectivity.
A key strength of Bentham's approach is its democratic nature through the general benevolence principle - everyone's happiness counts equally. This makes utilitarianism useful for governments seeking to maximize happiness for their citizens. It's neither selfish nor completely selfless, as it prioritizes the greatest good for the most people.
However, Bernard Williams highlights a significant problem through his supererogation argument: utilitarianism seems to demand too much self-sacrifice. For example, comfortable British citizens should theoretically give away all possessions to help those in developing nations - but this isn't realistic or sustainable for most people.
Think about it: We all naturally weigh consequences when making decisions. Ever chosen between studying or going out with friends based on what would make you happier in the long run? That's utilitarian thinking in action!
Critics also point out that as a consequentialist theory, utilitarianism requires predicting future outcomes - an impossible task. This places heavy responsibility on decision-makers and allows too much freedom that could potentially lead to harmful choices, especially given how subjective happiness can be.
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Mill's Rule Utilitarianism and Educational Value
J.S. Mill proposed rule utilitarianism as an improvement to Bentham's theory. Instead of calculating happiness for every decision, rule utilitarianism establishes general rules that typically maximize happiness. This comes in two forms: strong rule utilitarianism (always follow the rules) and weak rule utilitarianism (generally follow rules but break them when necessary).
Rule utilitarianism makes moral education more accessible. Children can more easily understand clear rules like "don't lie" rather than complex calculations using the hedonic calculus. This addresses a key weakness of act utilitarianism - that it requires high intellectual capacity to predict outcomes and quantify pleasure and pain.
Williams' example illustrates the challenge: if hiding Jews during Nazi Germany, should one lie when questioned? Strong rule utilitarians would have to tell the truth if they follow "never lie" - causing enormous harm. Weak rule utilitarians would likely lie, but this undermines the simplicity of having fixed rules.
Remember: Most of us make pre-commitments to certain actions before we're in difficult situations. You don't wait until you're being pressured to decide whether you'll cheat on an exam!
The subjectivity of utilitarianism poses another challenge. People experience pleasure differently - one person might find intense happiness in eating ice cream while another might not. This makes universal "right" decisions difficult to determine. However, even subjective decisions will usually maximize happiness for the individual making them.
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Religious Perspectives and Critiques
Christianity offers mixed views on utilitarianism. Jesus seems to reject pure consequentialism when he says in Matthew 5:28, "everyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery in his heart" - suggesting intentions matter more than consequences. Yet the Christian "golden rule" to "love your neighbour as yourself" reflects utilitarianism's general benevolence principle.
A serious critique is the tyranny of the majority problem. Utilitarianism could justify removing basic rights from minorities if it pleased the majority - for example, criminalizing homosexuality if most people supported it. John Rawls' justice argument explains this weakness: utilitarianism cares only about the quantity of happiness, not who receives it.
Bernard Williams' brutalism argument highlights another concern: no action is forbidden if it maximizes overall happiness. For example, murdering a homeless person to donate organs to save six children would be justified under strict utilitarianism, despite clearly violating our moral intuitions and legal systems. Rule utilitarianism helps address this by establishing rules against such acts.
Challenge yourself: Think about a difficult moral decision you've faced. How might a utilitarian approach have helped or hindered finding the right solution?
Despite these criticisms, utilitarianism's greatest strength may be that its intentions are always good. As Bentham argued, we're all naturally driven by seeking pleasure and avoiding pain. Utilitarianism is also universal - not tied to any specific religion or culture, making it accessible to everyone regardless of background.
In conclusion, while utilitarianism has significant weaknesses, particularly in its pure form, it remains helpful for moral decision-making. Rule utilitarianism addresses many concerns while maintaining focus on consequences rather than simply following rules without considering their real-world effects.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Most popular content in Religious Studies
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Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
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4.8/5
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user