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Utilitarianism is a hedonistic moral principle that one should act so as to provide the greatest possible happiness (or pleasure) for the greatest number of persons. This usually disregards the pain of the minority.  
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Utilitarianism is a hedonistic moral principle that one should act so as to minimise the net suffering caused by an action.
    
Modern criticism of utility includes a discussion of quantification of happiness. How much does certain happiness 'count' when measured against certain pains? Is it acceptable to invade the privacy of one terrorist in order to ensure that he does not attack innocent persons, and do them pain? Utility would say yes. Is it acceptable to kill a suspected terrorist - who might be an innocent civilian - in order to prevent this person from doing theoretical damage to innocent civilians? Based on the argument, utility may also say yes.  
 
Modern criticism of utility includes a discussion of quantification of happiness. How much does certain happiness 'count' when measured against certain pains? Is it acceptable to invade the privacy of one terrorist in order to ensure that he does not attack innocent persons, and do them pain? Utility would say yes. Is it acceptable to kill a suspected terrorist - who might be an innocent civilian - in order to prevent this person from doing theoretical damage to innocent civilians? Based on the argument, utility may also say yes.  

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