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Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832)

Utilitarianism is the idea that the only intrinsically good outcome in the universe is happiness, broadly defined, and that the only intrinsically bad outcome is suffering, broadly defined, and that one should act to best improve the future package of experiences, for all sentient beings.

And for something which is merely a theory of philosophy, the 'Principle of Utility' was surprisingly influential in the late 1700s and first couple of decades of the 1800s.

So, let's suppose there had been a upsurge of interest in the 1950s. Might it give '60s radicals another big, meaty theory in addition to Marxism, and another way to critique government and big corporations? And might it make it harder for energetic young people to find groups like the Weathermen Underground and the Symbionese Liberation Army hip and cool?

And thus change whole arc of 1960s and early '70s activism, radicalism, and counter-culture?
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