The greatest happiness principle states that the greatest amount of pleasure should be given to the greatest number of people thereby maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. On this principle, one could argue that euthanizing someone who is in great pain would be okay because it would be minimizing their pain.
The greatest happiness for the greatest number of citizens is the core philosophy of utilitarianism. It is also known as the Greatest Happiness Principle.
utilitarianism
This phrase refers to the ethical principle of utilitarianism, which suggests that actions or decisions should aim to produce the greatest amount of happiness for the largest number of people. It emphasizes the importance of maximizing overall well-being and minimizing suffering in society as a whole.
Plato, Bentham, Mill and Epicurus.
He wrote about the Greatest Happiness Principle and the Harm Principle. Greatest Happiness means making moral decisions so that the greatest amount of pleasure is given to the greatest amount of people. The Harm Principle is a theory that people should be able to do whatever they want as long as it does not infringe upon other people's ability to so the same.
Actions that cause the greatest happiness of the greatest number should be the guiding principle of human conduct.
Man's greatest/ultimate happiness is most likely himself...unfortunately...
The utilitarianism* movement.
Utilitarianism
The utilitarianism* movement.
the Utilitarians they said - something is morally right when the maximum amount of happiness is produced for the greatest amount of people
Jeremy Bentham