I think I have a decent understanding but love learning more and new perspectives help. Also what are the opposing viewpoints/philosophies?
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You are asking about ethics! A very important subject.
Utilitarianism is a theory of right and wrong. The right thing to do is whatever promotes the “greater good” – whatever maximizes happiness or well-being for the population as a whole.
Utilitarianism is a powerful theory, because it explains a vast array of moral rules with one underlying principle. The rules against murder, rape, assault, lying, and theft are all results of this principle. It also accounts for exceptions to those rules – for example, that it is right to steal bread to feed your family.
But Utilitarianism also has a dark side: “the ends justify the means.” Which means you can (and should) break normal moral rules in certain circumstances – such as if murdering 1 person would save multiple others. As positive as the basic principle is, Utilitarianism is also cold and calculating about moral decisions. And some movie villains were really Utilitarians – like Ozymandius in Watchmen.
Alternatives include Kantian Ethics, Virtue Ethics, Religious / Divine Command Ethics, and Particularism. All have different fundamental principles, and all have different strong points.
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