Action Quote by Peter Singer
“To be a utilitarian means that you judge actions as right or wrong in accordance with whether they have good consequences. So you try to do what will have the best consequences for all of those affected.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Practical Ethics, 1979
Utilitarianism judges actions by their overall consequences, aiming to maximize good for all affected.
In simple terms: Right actions produce the best outcomes for everyone.
Key Takeaway
Consider the impact of your choices on others.
Themes
ethics
consequentialism
morality
decision‑making
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
philosophical
Type
ethical
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- personal dilemmas
- social activism
Key Concepts
utility
greater good
impartiality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance overall benefit with individual rights?
- When might consequences alone be insufficient?
A Different Perspective
Utilitarian calculations can ignore individual rights or justice.
![“Nineteen thousand children [are] dying every day. Does it really matter that we're not walking past them in the street? Does it really matter that they're far away? I don't think it does make a morally relevant difference.” quote by Peter Singer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cc1/peter-singer-1001_children_nineteen-thousand-children-are-dying-eve_33961.jpg)
