What are the main principles of utilitarianism in moral philosophy?

Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that was developed by philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is based on the principle of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering, and it holds that actions are right to the extent that they promote happiness or pleasure and wrong to the extent that they produce the opposite.

The main principles of utilitarianism include:

• Consequentialism: Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory, which means that it judges the morality of actions by their consequences.
• The Greatest Happiness Principle: The ultimate goal of utilitarianism is to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
• Utility: Utilitarianism judges the morality of actions by their utility, or usefulness, in promoting happiness and reducing suffering.
• Impartiality: Utilitarianism is impartial, meaning that it treats everyone's happiness and suffering equally.

These principles have been applied to a wide range of moral issues, from animal rights to environmental ethics to social justice. However, utilitarianism has also been subject to criticism, particularly for its potential to justify actions that violate individual rights or promote inequality.