Volume-XII, Issue-II, March 2026 |
সর্বোদয় এবং উপযোগবাদ: একটি তুলনামূলক আলোচনা ঝুমা মণ্ডল, অতিথি অধ্যাপিকা, বাঁকুড়া সম্মিলনী কলেজ, বাঁকুড়া, পশ্চিমবঙ্গ, ভারত |
Received: 17.03.2026 | Accepted: 27.03.2026 | Published Online: 31.03.2026 | Page No: | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.12.issue.02W. | |||||||
Sarvodaya and Utilitarianism: A Comparative Discussion Jhuma Mondal, Guest Lecturer, Bankura Sammilani College, Bankura, West Bengal, India | ||
ABSTRACT | ||
This paper presents a comparative study between Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Sarvodaya and the Western ethical theory of Utilitarianism. While both philosophies emphasis human welfare as the ultimate goal, their foundational assumption, ethical methods and views on individual and society differ significantly. Utilitarianism, primarily developed by thinkers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, advocates the principle of “The greatest happiness of the greatest number” as the fundamental criterion of moral action. In contrast, Gandhian Sarvodaya, articulated and practiced by Mahatma Gandhi, envisions the holistic upliftment of all with special emphasis on moral, social and economic welfare of the weakest and most marginalized individuals. The objective of this study is to examine the philosophical foundations, ethical assumptions and practical implications of both doctrines. The objective of this study is to examine the philosophical foundations, ethical assumptions and practical implications of both doctrines. The analysis reveals that Utilitarianism is predominantly outcome oriented. Sarvodaya, on the other hand, is rooted in moral idealism, non-violence, truth and human dignity, emphasizing that ethical ends must be achieved through ethical means. The paper aims to analysze these similarities and differences in contemporary ethical and social context. | ||
Keywords: Sarvodaya, Utilitarianism, Gandhi, Ethics, Welfare, Moral Philosophy |