Philosophy and Foundation of Education

Western Schools of Philosophy

UTILITARIANISM/
HEDONISM

Discussant:
AIVI AN E. ESPAGO
 Utilitarianism

- Is a universal teleological system.

- It calls for the maximation of goodness in society
- a theory of morality that advocates actions that foster
happiness and oppose actions that cause unhappiness.
- Utilitarianism says that the Result or the Consequence
of an Act is the real measure of whether it is good or
bad.
- This theory emphasizes ENDS over MEANS.
 Hedonism

- The idea that ‘good’ is defined in terms of pleasure and

happiness makes utilitarianism a hedonistic theory.
- Plato and Aristotle both agreed that “good” equated with the
greatest happiness while the Epicureans stressed “pleasure” as
the main aim of life.
- Pleasure is not the same as happiness, as happiness results from
the use of reason and cultivating the virtues.
Role of Teacher and Students in Utilitarianism
Role of Teacher
 promoting the greatest overall happiness
and minimizing suffering for their
students.
 They would strive to impart knowledge
and values that contribute to the well-being
of the students and society
 Aiming to maximize positive outcomes.
This might involve fostering critical
thinking, empathy, and ethical decision-
making.
Role of Student
 Maximizing overall happiness by actively
engaging in their education and personal
development.
 By diligently studying, learning, and
acquiring knowledge, students contribute to
their own well-being of society.
 Embracing values such as empathy and
ethical considerations can also align with
utilitarian principles, as they can lead to
positive outcomes for everyone involved.
 Application of Utilitarianism to Education

-Utilitarianism can play a significant role in education by

emphasizing the practical outcomes and benefits of the
knowledge and skills being taught. It encourages
educators to consider the overall well-being and
happiness of students, as well as society as a whole, when
designing curricula and making decisions about
educational policies.
 Application of Utilitarianism to Education

-By prioritizing the greatest good for the greatest

number, utilitarianism can guide educators in selecting
subjects, teaching methods, and assessments that lead to
positive and valuable outcomes for both individual
students and the broader community.
 TYPES OF UTILITARIANISM

1. Act Utilitarianism ( Jeremy Bentham)

2. Rule Utilitarianism ( John Stuart Mill)
3. Ideal Utilitarianism ( Henry Sidgwick & G.E. Moore )
4. Negative Utilitarianism ( Sir Karl Popper)
5. Preference Utilitarianism ( Singer, Hare and Brandt )
 Sample Life Situation that illustrates
Utilitarianism

-Imagine a small town facing an economic crisis with

high unemployment rates. The local government is
considering whether to invest in building a new factory
that would create jobs and stimulate the economy.
However, the factory would also produce pollution that
could harm the environment and the health of residents.
CONCLUSION:

UTILITARIANISM/ HEDONISM

-Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that suggests the best

action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or
pleasure for the greatest number of people. Hedonism, on
the other hand, focuses specifically on the pursuit of
pleasure and the avoidance of pain as ultimate goals in life.
Utilitarianism often incorporates hedonistic principles,
aiming to achieve the greatest happiness for the greatest
number.
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