Jeremy Bentham's principle of "the greatest good for the greatest number" forms the bedrock of quantitative utilitarianism. This principle suggests that public policy should aim to maximize overall happiness or welfare. It evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes, specifically by calculating the net balance of pleasure over pain for all individuals affected.

This approach often involves assigning numerical values to different outcomes and quantifying happiness. However, implementing this principle in public policy presents ethical implications, particularly when it involves sacrificing individual rights for collective benefits.

Ethical Implications of Prioritizing Numerical Outcomes:

Harming Individual Rights: Government surveillance programs might be expanded to enhance national security, benefiting the majority by preventing terrorism. But, it may invade the privacy of individuals.
Limiting personal freedoms: Governments might enforce rules that limit personal freedoms to help the greater good. For instance, mandatory lockdowns during a pandemic can protect public health but restrict individual freedom.
Short-term vs. Long-term Benefits: Focusing on short-term job creation might lead to environmental damage that harms future generations.
Neglecting Minority Interests: The utilitarian emphasis on the well-being of the majority can lead to the marginalization of minority interests, needs, or cultural values. This raises concerns about social justice and the inclusiveness of public policies.
Complexity: Reducing complex human experiences to numbers can be problematic. Policies should consider qualitative aspects of well-being, like the mental and emotional health of students in education.

To address the ethical concerns of prioritising numerical outcomes over individual rights in public policy:

Base policies on human rights or constitutional principles to prioritise individual rights alongside societal goals.
Before rolling out policies, take a step back and assess their potential impact on people's rights and well-being. This can help avoid unintended harm.
Bring different voices to the table when making decisions about policies. This includes listening to communities that might be most affected. (Participatory democracy)
Be transparent about policy rationale and invite public scrutiny to ensure accountability and trust in decision-making processes.
While aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number, we should not forget about the rights and values that make us human.

In striving for the greatest good, we should not overlook the inherent worth and dignity of each individual. In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, "The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members." This calls for the adoption of inclusive policies that consider the diverse needs and perspectives of all members of society. Only through such inclusivity can we truly fulfill the promise of a just and compassionate society where every individual's rights and dignity are upheld and respected.

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