Which philosopher is credited with founding utilitarianism?

• A. John Stuart Mill
• B. Immanuel Kant
• C. Jeremy Bentham
• D. Aristotle

Answer: (C)

This question centers on the origin of utilitarianism and what that approach centers on in moral evaluation. Jeremy Bentham is widely credited as the founder. He argued that the right action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number, introducing the principle of utility as the standard for judging actions. His view treats pleasure and pain as the basic components of morality and seeks to measure actions by their tendency to increase overall well-being.

John Stuart Mill further developed utilitarianism by distinguishing higher and lower pleasures, but he did not originate the theory. Immanuel Kant, by contrast, is associated with deontological ethics, focusing on duties and rules rather than consequences. Aristotle is tied to virtue ethics, which emphasizes character and flourishing rather than the balance of happiness produced by actions.

So, Bentham is the founder, with Mill later refining the theory.