Philosophers think that their ideas can change the world. Often this is just a blown hope: books are read by a small number of people who are close in thought and the rest of humanity continues to live unchanged, but in one case, a philosophical theory changed the way people think. That theory is utilitarianism.

James Rachel, Foundations of the Philosophy of Morals.

Question

Philosophers think that their ideas can change the world. Often this is just a blown hope: books are read by a small number of people who are close in thought and the rest of humanity continues to live unchanged, but in one case, a philosophical theory changed the way people think. That theory is utilitarianism.

James Rachel, Foundations of the Philosophy of Morals.

Ask a Philosopher · Accepted Answer

Philosophers have long held the belief that their ideas can change the world. While they may be right in some cases, the reality is that books are often read by a small number of people, who are often close in thought, and the rest of humanity continues to live unchanged. However, in one case, a philosophical theory has changed the way people think, and that theory is utilitarianism. Utilitarianism, as proposed by James Rachel in his book 'Foundations of the Philosophy of Morals', is a moral theory that suggests that the best action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. This theory has been adopted by many, and it has certainly changed the way people think about morality and the way they approach ethical decisions. While it may not have changed the world itself, it has certainly changed the way people think about it. So, while philosophers may have a tendency to overestimate the power of their ideas, it is worth noting that, in some cases, their ideas can have a profound effect on the way people think and act.