The document outlines the historical context of utilitarianism and explores its key aspects. It discusses Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, the main proponents of utilitarianism. Bentham argued that actions should aim to maximize happiness for the greatest number of people. He developed a "hedonic calculus" to quantify pleasure versus pain. Mill agreed but distinguished between higher and lower pleasures. The document also differentiates between act and rule utilitarianism, describing how they apply the principle of utility.