Utilitarianism.
economics
Description
Under the concept of Utilitarianism, the basic maxim is to; maximize the
overall good. This is even the case if the law contradicts or impedes the
pursuit for the overall good. In fact, it is difficult to quantify the
consequences of utilitarianism. What if, for example, you saw a family
starving on the side of the road. You had no money, but saw a grocery store a
1/2 mile up the road. You went to the store, stole a loaf of bread and returned
to feed the family. Was the greater good satisfied even though you broke the
law and stole food? Was the concept of utilitarianism met? Should we even
consider breaking the law to satisfy some other ethical theory? What if we
believe in it more than in keeping the rules?
