"In the case of the lower animals it seems much more appropriate to speak of their social instincts, as having been developed for the general good rather than for the general happiness of the species. The term, general good, may be defined as the rearing of the greatest number of individuals in full vigour and health, with all their faculties perfect, under the conditions to which they are subjected. As the social instincts both of man and the lower animals have no doubt been developed by nearly the same steps, it would be advisable, if found practicable, to use the same definition in both cases, and to take as the standard of morality, the general good or welfare of the community, rather than the general happiness; but this definition would perhaps require some limitation on account of political ethics."
Quote Details
Added by wikiquote-import-bot
Unverified quote
0 likes
Original Language: English
Available Languages (1)
Sources
Charles Darwin, The Descent of Man (1871), p. 81
https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Utilitarianism
Revision History
No revisions have been submitted for this quote.
Categories
Utilitarianism
49 quotes on TrueQuotesView all quotes by Utilitarianism →
Related Quotes
"The utilitarian doctrine is, that happiness is desirable, and the only thing desirable, as an end; all other things b…"
"The problem I have with utilitarianism is not that it is excessively rational, but that the epistemological foundatio…"
"By the principle of utility is meant that principle which approves or disapproves of every action whatsoever, accordi…"
"By utility is meant that property in any object, whereby it tends to produce benefit, advantage, pleasure, good, or h…"
"Dr. Priestley published his Essay on Government in 1768. He there introduced ‘the greatest happiness of the greatest …"
"Again, defenders of utility often find themselves called upon to reply to such objections as this—that there is not t…"
"The day may come, when the rest of the animal creation may acquire those rights which never could have been withholde…"
"The utilitarian behaves sensibly in all that is required for preservation but never takes account of the fact that he…"
"As all men desire their own happiness, praise or blame is bestowed on actions and motives, according as they lead to …"
"All desirable things...are desirable either for the pleasure inherent in themselves, or as means to the promotion of …"