Utilitarianism In Ancient Egypt

Since the beginning of Ancient Egypt to the modern 20th Century, men and women have used various forms of makeup to enhance their appearance. Egyptians used copper and lead ore to decorate their skin, while women in the 1800’s used berries to stain their lips. Although the process and means for delivering these products has significantly evolved with the advent of technology, the purpose remains the same. That purpose was to improve their outer image and in some cases, make the individual look younger. In the 1900’s, there was a dramatic increase for beauty and skin care products. As a direct result of this increase in demand, the market for the production of these goods expanded as well. Fortunately, for my cosmetic company, the guidelines

The “Utilitarianism theory contends that an action is right if it produces, or it tends to produce, the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people affected by the action. Otherwise the action is wrong.” (DeGeorge, p. 44) In the world of business, this theory supports the notion that companies who make these types of business decisions on behalf of the need of a very large consumer base are making the “right” decision to meet the immediate consumer demands. The concept of “good” is interchanged with money in the world of finances. The correct action is that which will reflect a positive cash flow after the benefits and costs have been calculated. As a result, these actions are considered by their ultimate consequences. The Hedonistic utilitarianism, decisions are merely a reaction to values of pain or pleasure. “Everything people want, can be reduced to pleasure or pain.” (DeGeorge, p. 45) In essence, the actions of the producers are judged by the ultimate

What is that value? According to DeGeorge, “People are at the center of value, and what satisfies their needs is what they consider valuable.” (DeGeorge, p. 45) To understand if the actions were good, it would become necessary to draw a comparison to the contrary actions. If more good is produced than bad, the moral decision is considered to be good as well. Conversely, if a business “produces more bad than good, they are immoral.” (DeGeorge, p. 49)

The utilitarianism approach suggests that we take into consideration three separate aspects of these actions. First, it is necessary to identify and clarify which action is being reviewed. Next, is the element of evaluation of the action. It is necessary to take a look at who this action will impact. The final step is to compare and contrast the effects of these actions, both good and bad, on everyone impacted by this decision. Finally, after careful consideration of every aspect of the action, it can be determined to be good or bad.