Utilitarianism is defined as an ethical theory with the decree, "act in such a way as to maximize the expected satisfaction of interests in the world, equally considered " (Matheny, 14). In other words, do what is best for everyone, not yourself; the greatest good for the greatest number.
In Utilitarianism and Animals, philosopher Gaverick Matheny argues how utilitarianism is a rational and ethical theory, how utilitarianism involves the regards of factory-farmed animals in consideration with the natural universe, and how humans' current treatment of factory-farmed animals is chastised by utilitarianism; therefore concluding that the consumption of factory-farmed produce is not ethically acceptable.
Matheny's first premise behind his argument is explaining how utilitarianism is a rational and ethical theory. So readers may ask why it is considered this way. Well, Matheny asserts how his theory is higher-ranking towards other ethical assumptions, basically meaning that utilitarianism can be relevant when facing any type of circumstances through either genuine statistical benefits or even simple common sense. Continuing on, Matheny utters how utilitarianism is considered rational because it is expressed in most cases and centers on the ramifications, allowing it to be adaptable since it does not attach to a severe set of regulations; utilitarianism is ethical because it is established completely on the proposition that humans cannot considerately suggest that someone else's attention is more or less valued than his or her very own.
In addition, Matheny adds on how utilitarianism involves the regards of factory-farmed animals in consideration with the natural universe. So why do the regards of animals bear the same burden as those of humans? Matheny assists this question with the thought of sentience. The main concept of the word sentient describes the practical content with satisfaction and agony, or in other words experiencing pleasure and pain.