Utilitarianism

The moral principle that says ends justifies means, when the means adds to the general utility (i.e. how much utility your deed brought on tells how moral it was). Utility is defined as the good to be maximized. Different thinkers have further defined it as happiness, well-being or pleasure. The idea of utilitarianism as a moral code was first thought up by 18th century reformer and philosopher Jeremy Bentham. He believed that, "nature has put man under the governance of two sovereign masters: pleasure and pain." Thus, he concluded that good is whatever it is that brings on the greatest happiness. His belief was passed on by others after him. It is in direct conflict with many ideas of Christianity.