Utilitarian philosophy from "summary" of Hard Times by Charles Dickens
Utilitarian philosophy, a doctrine that advocated for the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people, held sway in the industrial town of Coketown as depicted in the novel "Hard Times" by Charles Dickens. The town's inhabitants were expected to adhere strictly to this utilitarian way of thinking, where emotions were to be suppressed, and logic and reason were to govern all aspects of life. Mr. Thomas Gradgrind, a prominent figure in Coketown, embodied the principles of utilitarianism in both his personal and professional life. He believed that facts and figures were the only things of value, and he instilled this belief in his children and students at his school. For Gradgrind, emotions and imagination were considered useless and even harmful distractions that led to inefficiency and dissatisfaction. The consequences of this strict adherence to utilitarian philosophy were evident in the lives of the characters in the novel. Louisa Gradgrind, raised to prioritize reason over emotion, found herself trapped in a loveless marriage with Josiah Bounderby, a wealthy industrialist. Her brother Tom, devoid of compassion and empathy, resorted to dishonesty and manipulation in his pursuit of personal gain. As the story unfolds, the limitations of utilitarianism become increasingly apparent. The characters' emotional and psychological well-being suffer as a result of their suppression of feelings and desires. Gradgrind himself comes to realize the error of his ways, acknowledging the importance of love and compassion in addition to reason and logic. Through the portrayal of the characters and their struggles, Dickens critiques the narrow-mindedness and cold-heartedness of utilitarian philosophy. He highlights the importance of balance and harmony between reason and emotion, arguing that true happiness and fulfillment can only be achieved through a more holistic approach to life.
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