John Galt and Utilitarianism

Abstract:This article is an examination of John Galt's relationship with and attitude towards utilitarianism. In his novel Annals of the Parish, Galt first used the term 'Utilitarian' in public with a critical attitude. He also portrayed utilitarian crises and conversed with many utilitarian thinkers. On the issue of overpopulation, Galt denounced Malthus's harsh treatment of the poor and proposed that emigration could alleviate the problem. In the aspect of dealing with criminals, Beccaria maintained that punishment could help to ensure the greatest happiness for the greatest number, whereas Galt put more emphasis on rehabilitating criminals through benevolence and education. Galt's critique of utilitarianism did not imply his resistance to material pleasure; rather, it demonstrated the tension between the old and new eras. Galt highlighted morality and sentiments advocated by the Scottish Enlightenment thinkers and dialectically considered the benefits and drawbacks of the commercial era, deeming that progress should not come at the expense of morality, sentiments, and health.