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Describe the main strengths and weaknesses of Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is an idea first developed by David Hume in his book 'Why Utility Pleases'. Hume tried to account for the fact that we tend to approve those qualities and actions that are useful to society; that is, those that promote social utility. However, Hume's theory of ethics could not be described as utilitarianism in the way that the term is used today. Jeremy Bentham was the first person to use Utilitarianism in the way in which the term would be used today. Drawing on and adapting Hume's ideas in order to coincide with the society in which he lived during the industrial revolution. He was concerned with social reform as the conditions in which people lived and worked were appalling. Bentham wanted to find a way of defining right and wrong without a need for a transcendent authority. In 'Introduction to the...

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