J. J. C. Smart, An outline of a system of utilitarian ethics, in Smart, J. J. C. & Williams, B. Utilitarianism For and Against, Chapter I. Introductory
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The sentiment to which [the utilitarian] appeals is generalized benevolence, that is, the disposition to seek happiness, or...good consequences, for all mankind, or perhaps for all sentient beings.
— J. J. C. Smart on Utilitarianism
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "The sentiment to which [the utilitarian] appeals is generalized benevolence, that is, the disposition to seek happiness, or...good consequences, for all mankind, or perhaps for all sentient beings." in the context of "J. J. C. Smart, An outline of a system of utilitarian ethics, in Smart, J. J. C. & Williams, B. Utilitarianism For and Against, Chapter I. Introductory" to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Utilitarianism" (S)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About J. J. C. Smart
J. J. C. Smart (full name, John Jamieson Carswell "Jack" Smart; 16 September 1920 – 6 October 2012) was a British-Australian philosopher and Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University. He specialized in metaphysics, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, and political philosophy.
About J. J. C. Smart
J. J. C. Smart (full name, John Jamieson Carswell "Jack" Smart; 16 September 1920 – 6 October 2012) was a British-Australian philosopher and Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University. He specialized in metaphysics, philosophy of science, philosophy of mind, philosophy of religion, and political philosophy.
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