---
title: "Greatest Happiness Principle: Utilitarian Ethics"
description: "The Greatest Happiness Principle evaluates actions based on their ability to maximize happiness for the majority, essential for UPSC GS-IV ethics."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/greatest-happiness-principle"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Greatest Happiness Principle holds that an action is right insofar as it tends to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
- Who originated the Greatest Happiness Principle?
- How does the felicific calculus work?
- What is the difference between act and rule utilitarianism?
- Why is the principle criticised for permitting injustice?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The Greatest Happiness Principle holds that an action is right insofar as it tends to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.

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In 2020, the WHO's SAGE allocated scarce COVID-19 vaccines first to health workers and high-risk groups, applying greatest-happiness reasoning to maximise lives saved across populations.

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