ritish philosophers Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) are credited with the origins of classical utilitarianism, a moral theory that defines a moral act solely in terms of the outcome or consequences of that act. This teleological perspective is based on a single guiding principle. The principle of utility, also referred to as the Greatest Happiness Principle, states that actions are right if they produce the greatest balance of happiness over unhappiness (Mill, 1861). Over time, the definition of happiness has been expanded to include a variety of intrinsic goods other than happiness or pleasure. Intrinsic goods are goods or conditions that are inherently valuable and might include love, beauty, friendship, knowledge, and success. Some writers contend the principle of utility can also refer to individual preferences.

In any given situation, we are likely to have to consider a range of goods and preferences to determine what will constitute the greatest overall balance of good. This consideration uses a type of moral cost/benefit analysis in which a moral act should produce the greatest benefit (happiness) at the least cost (unhappiness). A moral act may, at times, result in some unhappiness; however, the overall consequences must be balanced toward the good.

Regardless of how utility is defined, an action according to utilitarianism is right that produces the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people. Therefore, no action is right or wrong in and of itself. Actions can only be judged in light of their consequences. General moral rules may be useful in analysis, but any such rule can be disregarded in the interest of promoting utility. In addition, motive or intention carries no moral weight. For example, I may feel it is my duty to tell a patient the truth but, if the patient is harmed in some significant way by the information I provide, then I have violated the principle of utility and acted wrongly.