Utilitarianism: A Nursing Perspective

Utilitarianism is a moral theory focusing on consequences and defining ethical conduct on the basis of the well-being that these consequences produce. Maximisation of collective well-being is a central mandate for proponents of utilitarianism. Many classical and modern writers have explored this theory and its related concepts from a theoretical standpoint, and practical applications are often visible in the ways society functions. Utilitarian approaches are regularly used in the field of health care, and they have been amplified in the face of the recent COVID-19 pandemic measures. Lockdowns, triage decisions and compulsory vaccination can all be seen as drawing on utilitarian principles, aiming at the greatest collective well-being. The nursing profession’s values may seem at odds with utilitarian logic in many instances, but its usefulness cannot be overlooked within the complex health-care systems of modern society. The aim of this chapter is to explain and discuss the theory of utilitarianism and its relationship to nursing practice, using a case study and the recent pandemic as a background example. It starts by presenting the main theories and concepts related to utilitarianism. I then present some of the most common criticisms that are used against utilitarianism. The discussion then moves to applications of utilitarianism in practice, particularly in the field of health care, before turning its focus on the nursing profession