Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that focuses on the idea of maximizing overall happiness and minimizing overall suffering. Founded by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, utilitarianism holds that the best decision or action is the one that results in the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. One key aspect of utilitarianism is the principle of the greatest happiness, which states that actions are morally right if they promote happiness and morally wrong if they produce suffering. This principle emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences of our actions and choosing the course of action that leads to the most favorable outcome for the majority. Critics of utilitarianism argue that the philosophy can lead to the overlooking of individual rights and justice in favor of the greater good. They also question the feasibility of accurately predicting the long-term consequences of our actions. Despite its criticisms, utilitarianism remains a popular ethical theory in contemporary moral philosophy due to its emphasis on promoting the well-being of society as a whole. In conclusion, utilitarianism offers a compelling framework for making ethical decisions based on the principle of maximizing happiness. While it has its shortcomings, it continues to be a relevant and influential philosophy in the study of ethics.