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Utilitarianism, traditionally defined as the pursuit of the greatest good for the greatest number, has long served as a cornerstone of ethical philosophy. However, in a modern context characterized by fragmented values, distrust of collective ideals, and an emphasis on superficial image projection, this classical framework appears increasingly misaligned with contemporary realities. This essay explores the development of Neo-Utilitarianism, a reimagined ethical and practical framework that prioritizes the individual's greatest good while incorporating strategic social engagement. Emerging from a critique of traditional utilitarianism’s collective focus, Neo-Utilitarianism redefines the greatest good as personal well-being, authenticity, and success, achieved through curated relationships and an exemplary life. This essay summarizes the central theme of redefining utilitarianism for a distrustful, image-driven society, tracing the evolution of Neo-Utilitarianism’s principles and their relevance to modern challenges.

The discussion begins with an examination of utility and utilitarianism. Utility is defined as the quality of being useful or beneficial, often linked to satisfaction in economic contexts. Classical utilitarianism, as articulated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, posits that actions are right if they maximize happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people. Variations such as act utilitarianism, rule utilitarianism, negative utilitarianism, and preference utilitarianism refine this principle but maintain a collective focus. However, the collective orientation of traditional utilitarianism is critiqued as simplistic and co-opted, failing to account for individual needs in a society where group values may be misguided or harmful.

The critique centers on the assertion that the greatest good for the greatest number is irrelevant in a modern context where survival is not the primary concern. Instead, societal pressures emphasize projecting artificial images, and leaders are perceived as pursuing harmful agendas rather than genuine welfare. This leads to a proposal to redefine utilitarianism as a framework focused on what works well for the individual, emphasizing personal effectiveness and benefit over collective happiness. The greatest good is reframed as the optimal use of personal resources—time, money, or effort—rather than a universal metric of pleasure or well-being for all.

This individualist perspective evolves into a personalized greatest good, where the focus is on maximizing one’s own well-being, success, or authenticity. Unlike classical utilitarianism’s altruistic bent, this approach aligns with ethical egoism or enlightened self-interest, prioritizing personal benefit without necessarily aiming to benefit others directly. However, it introduces the idea that pursuing one’s greatest good can indirectly benefit others by setting an example, avoiding the paternalism of assuming what is best for the collective. This framework rejects the notion that individuals can or should define the greatest good for others, especially in a society where divergent values and untrustworthy leadership undermine collective agreement.

The concept of Neo-Utilitarianism emerges as a formal redefinition of utilitarianism tailored to contemporary challenges. Neo-Utilitarianism posits that the greatest good is an internalized pursuit of personal well-being, achieved through authenticity and individual success. It responds to a fragmented society where collective notions of good are unreliable, and image-driven culture distorts genuine benefit. By focusing on personal flourishing, individuals counter superficial norms and inspire others to pursue their own good, thus contributing to society indirectly through example rather than imposition.

A critical refinement to Neo-Utilitarianism addresses the risk of isolation inherent in an individualist framework. Recognizing that humans are inherently social, Neo-Utilitarianism incorporates relationships as essential to personal flourishing. It emphasizes mutually beneficial exchanges with like-minded individuals who share similar values or goals, enhancing the individual’s greatest good through collaboration and support. Simultaneously, it advocates strategic distance from those whose values conflict with personal well-being, limiting engagement to protect one’s focus while maintaining minimal connections to all to avoid alienation. This balance ensures that Neo-Utilitarianism remains socially engaged without compromising its individualist core.

The framework is grounded in the modern context of a distrustful, image-driven society. Unlike historical contexts where collective survival necessitated shared goals, today’s fragmented values and manipulative leadership render collective notions of the greatest good suspect. Neo-Utilitarianism’s selective engagement allows individuals to navigate this landscape by curating relationships that align with their values, rejecting superficiality, and protecting against harmful group dynamics. By prioritizing authenticity and personal success, individuals model a counterpoint to societal pressures, inspiring others to define their own paths.

Conclusion
Neo-Utilitarianism represents a significant evolution of classical utilitarianism, redefining the greatest good as an individual’s personal well-being, authenticity, and success. Emerging from a critique of traditional utilitarianism’s collective focus, it responds to a modern society characterized by fragmented values, distrust of leaders, and an emphasis on superficial image projection. By internalizing the greatest good and pursuing it through curated, mutually beneficial relationships, individuals achieve personal flourishing while inspiring others through example. Neo-Utilitarianism balances individual focus with social engagement, strategically prioritizing like-minded connections while maintaining minimal ties to avoid isolation. This framework offers a pragmatic and ethical guide for navigating contemporary challenges, emphasizing authenticity and personal agency in a world where collective ideals are increasingly unreliable. Through its redefinition of the greatest good, Neo-Utilitarianism provides a compelling vision for individual and societal progress in an era of distrust and divergence.

Neo-Utilitarianism redefines the greatest good as personal well-being, rejecting traditional utilitarianism’s collective focus. In a fragmented, image-driven society, it prioritizes individual authenticity and mutually beneficial relationships, inspiring others through example while strategically managing conflicting interactions to avoid isolation.

Neo-Utilitarianism redefines utilitarianism by focusing on personal well-being, authenticity, and success, rejecting the traditional pursuit of collective happiness. In a fragmented, image-driven society with untrustworthy leadership, it emphasizes individual flourishing over misguided group ideals. Mutually beneficial relationships with like-minded individuals enhance personal greatest good, while strategic distance from conflicting values protects focus. Minimal connections to all prevent isolation, ensuring social engagement. By achieving personal success, individuals inspire others through example, avoiding paternalistic assumptions about collective good. Neo-Utilitarianism offers a pragmatic, ethical framework for navigating modern challenges, prioritizing personal agency and authenticity in a distrustful, divergent world.

The Utilitarian Church centers on Jesus’ teachings as an accessible path to connect with God. It views Jesus as the Son of God, uniquely able to articulate a relatable relationship with the divine through prayer, reflection, and good deeds. The church teaches that all people, as children of God, can experience this connection and the uplifting presence of the Holy Ghost by acknowledging a higher power and maintaining faith. This relationship empowers individuals to achieve great things, protect the innocent, and uplift others. The church emphasizes personal, private contemplation and steadfast action as simple means to feel God’s power, encouraging members to share this knowledge. It promotes a life of purpose, defending one’s livelihood and way of life, rooted in the belief that everyone can find their own way to God.

The Utilitarian Church is built on the belief that Jesus, as the Son of God, provided a clear and relatable way for all to connect with God, reflecting his own divine relationship. It teaches that every person, as a child of God, can access this connection through faith, prayer, reflection, and meditation, experiencing the Holy Ghost’s uplifting presence. Jesus’ message simplifies spirituality, emphasizing that acknowledging a higher power opens the door to a personal relationship with God, which empowers individuals to accomplish great things and live purposefully. The church encourages good deeds and steadfast action as demonstrations of this divine bond, fostering a sense of responsibility to protect the innocent and uphold one’s life and livelihood. 

Members are urged to share this knowledge, helping others discover their own path to God through quiet contemplation and prayer. The Utilitarian Church values the ease and convenience of this approach, rejecting complicated rituals in favor of a direct, private connection to the divine. It sees this relationship as a source of strength to lift oneself and others, promoting a community united by faith and mutual upliftment. The church underscores that this connection is universally available, requiring only awareness and willingness to engage with God’s omnipresent power. By living out Jesus’ teachings, members safeguard their way of life and extend an invitation to others to experience the same transformative faith, creating a cycle of spiritual growth and practical good in the world.

The Utilitarian Church is a faith rooted in the teachings of Jesus, whom it regards as the Son of God with a unique ability to bridge humanity and divinity. It posits that Jesus articulated an accessible, relatable method for connecting to God, emphasizing that this connection is not reserved for the elite but available to all as children of God. The church draws from Jesus’ life and message, which highlight prayer, reflection, and meditation as straightforward practices to foster a personal relationship with the divine. This relationship, marked by the uplifting presence of the Holy Ghost, empowers individuals to feel God’s power, achieve great things, and live with purpose. The Utilitarian Church teaches that faith begins with acknowledging a higher power—an omnipresent force that Jesus exemplified and made tangible through his words and actions.

Central to the church’s doctrine is the idea that every person can replicate Jesus’ divine connection in their own way and time. This is not a rigid or formulaic process but a personal journey of discovery, supported by quiet contemplation and steadfast commitment to good deeds. Jesus’ teachings, as interpreted by the church, frame this connection as both a privilege and a responsibility: it lifts individuals up while obligating them to uplift others. Members are encouraged to demonstrate their relationship with God through practical actions—protecting the innocent, defending their livelihood, and preserving their way of life. This blend of spirituality and pragmatism reflects the church’s utilitarian ethos, prioritizing simplicity and effectiveness in faith.

The Utilitarian Church rejects complex dogma, instead celebrating the ease and convenience of Jesus’ approach. It teaches that the Holy Ghost’s presence is a tangible, motivating force, accessible to anyone who seeks it with awareness and faith. Once experienced, this connection becomes a gift to share, as members pass along the knowledge of how to reach God, fostering a ripple effect of spiritual empowerment. The church envisions a community where individuals, strengthened by their bond with God, support one another in living virtuously and resiliently. This communal aspect underscores the belief that faith is both personal and collective, a private communion with God that manifests publicly through acts of kindness and justice.

The church also frames this divine relationship as a source of protection and stability. By connecting to God, members safeguard their lives, livelihoods, and values against external threats, drawing strength from the Holy Ghost to persevere. Jesus’ example as a communicator of divine ease inspires the church’s mission: to welcome others into this knowledge without coercion, allowing each person to find their path in their own time. The Utilitarian Church thus balances individual freedom with shared purpose, encouraging quiet reflection as the foundation for both personal growth and societal good. Ultimately, it presents a faith that is practical, uplifting, and universally attainable, rooted in Jesus’ teachings as a timeless guide to experiencing and sharing God’s power.