The Greatest Happiness: Exploring Utilitarianism in Ethical Decision-Making

Introduction

Have you ever wondered how to decide what is right or wrong when faced with difficult moral choices? Imagine choosing between telling a lie to protect a friend or telling the truth that could hurt them. Welcome to the world of Utilitarianism! In this WebQuest, you will explore the ethical theory that argues the best decision is the one that creates the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. By the end, you will not only understand Utilitarianism but also apply it to real-life issues.

Task

You will work in groups to:

  1. Research the basic principles of Utilitarianism.

  2. Analyze real-life scenarios (e.g., environmental issues, healthcare decisions, business ethics) using utilitarian reasoning.

  3. Create a multimedia presentation (Google Slides/PowerPoint or short video) that explains your group’s ethical analysis and conclusion.

  4. Present your work to the class as if you were members of an "Ethics Review Board."

Process

  • Form groups of 4–5 students.

  • Step 1 – Understand Utilitarianism:

    • Research Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill’s ideas.

    • Summarize the principle of "the greatest happiness for the greatest number."

  • Step 2 – Apply Utilitarianism:

    • Each group will choose ONE case study (e.g., government lockdown vs. economic activity, euthanasia, environmental conservation, business layoffs).

    • Use the utilitarian principle to analyze the situation.

    • Answer: Who benefits? Who suffers? What maximizes happiness?

  • Step 3 – Create Presentation:

    • Summarize your findings in slides or a short video.

    • Include examples, quotes, and visuals.

  • Step 4 – Present to the class as an "Ethics Review Board."

Evaluation
Criteria Excellent (4) Good (3) Fair (2) Needs Improvement (1)
Understanding of Utilitarianism Clear, deep, accurate explanation Mostly accurate, minor gaps Some inaccuracies, shallow Poor or missing
Application to Case Study Strong, insightful analysis with evidence Adequate analysis, some detail Weak connection to utilitarianism No clear application
Presentation Quality Engaging, creative, clear Organized but less engaging Somewhat unclear Disorganized, incomplete
Teamwork Equal contribution, collaboration evident Mostly collaborative Uneven participation Very limited teamwork
Conclusion

Congratulations! You have explored Utilitarianism and tested it on real-life moral dilemmas. You discovered that ethical decisions are not always easy, but applying the principle of "the greatest happiness for the greatest number" gives us a powerful tool for reflection. As you move forward, think about how you can apply this ethical lens not only in school but also in your personal and future professional life.

Credits