1. Historical Background to Utilitarianism
Aim: To examine the key events in history that surround utilitarianism

2. The Enlightenment
Key scholars in this era were Voltaire and David Hume
They expressed great optimism in humanity’s intellectual powers.
Reason, empiricism and human autonomy were placed over and above metaphysical belief and God

3. The Enlightenment and Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism rejects God as the author of morality.
God’s existence cannot be scientifically proven
They reject the Bible as a source of authority with the principle of utility – as no one can doubt the reality of pleasure and pain

4. The French Revolution
The 1789 French Revolution was the challenge of the majority against the minority.
Rousseau said
“Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”
The political structure of France changed so that the majority of the poor could enjoy a certain living standard

5. Victorian Britain.
England was class ridden with great poverty.
Charles Dicken’s novels reflect the poverty; debtor prisons; child labour and the subjugation of women.
The founders of utilitarianism campaigned for social change- they promoted structural change to enable the majority of people to live fulfilled and happy lives