The principle of utility says that we should always maximize happiness. It does not matter whether we are deciding on the laws of our country as citizens and ofcials, or whether we are deciding what to do in our own private lives. In every possible case, the principle of utility tells us to choose the course of action that will produce the greatest amount of happiness. Is that right? 1. There are many needy people in the world who could benet from your help. If you were to volunteer one evening per week, you could reduce need and thereby increase the sum of happiness. But if you were to volunteer all of your evenings, then you could produce even more happiness. Should you volunteer all of your spare time to helping the needy? Would it be wrong not to do so? There are many people in the world who lack the money to buy food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. If you were to donate $100 to a charity (such as Oxfam, Red Cross, Plan Canada.War Child, etc.), then some of these people would get what they desperately need and you would thereby increase happiness. But if you were to donate all of your spare income each month, then even more people would get what they desperately need and you would produce even more happiness. ShOuld you donate all of your spare income to charities? Would it be wrong not to do so