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One of the most controversial examples of utilitarianism was the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan during WWII.

Many debate that this force of action was unnecessary, as many innocent civilians died. However, the Japanese were working towards developing a similar weapon that could have been used on the United States unless the US hadn't intervened. This also helped America to stop other countries from getting involved and ended the war between Japan. The death of innocent civilians might have been greater if the bombs hadn't been dropped.

So although America killed thousands of Japanese, it was in exchange for the greater good and for the greatest amount of people. It stopped the war between Japan and America, before other countries could get involved.

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Q: What is an example of utilitarianism?
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What is the significance of utilitarianism?

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What is the relationship between utilitarianism and formalism?

Utilitarianism is defined as the end justifies the means, whereas Formalism could suggest that the methodological means & process is the best manner in reaching the end.


What countries used utilitarianism?

Britain, as it originated there, and developed by J.S Mill and Jeremy Bentham


What are the similarities between deontological and virtue ethics?

Utilitarianism: morality is the result of an act. Focus on the consequences. A moral act is what will bring the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. Virtue Ethics: Morality stems from the identity or character of the person, rather than being a reflection of the actions. THere are certain characteristics which are virtues. People possessing these virtues is what makes one moral, one's actions are a reflection of their inner morality.


What are some basic principles of utilitarianism?

Bentham founded a philosophy called utilitarianism: A political system that tries to benefit the greatest number of people. Bentham said that people are basically selfish at heart. Without rules to guide them, everyone will look out for themselves at the expense of others. At the same time, Bentham agreed that too many rules would unfairly limit individual freedom.So he came up with a simple test to decide if a law was necessary and fair: Did it provide the greatest good for the greatest number of people? In other words, if a law helped only a few people and hurt many others, it was unfair. Laws that applied to a lot of people but didn't really help anyone were just useless.