Utilitarianism, Ethics, and Wealth: Evaluating Whether Successful Businesspeople Benefit Others Through Earning, Spending, or Both

Abstract

This essay examines the ethical dimensions of successful businesspeople's Impact on society through the lens of utilitarianism, arguing that successful businesspeople have the potential to benefit others both in the process of making money and in how they spend it. When businesspeople generate wealth through innovation, job creation, and responsible corporate practices, they contribute directly to social advancement. Likewise, philanthropic activities, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s $7 billion contributions to global health and poverty alleviation, exemplify how the ethical use of financial power can improve societal well-being. However, ethical concerns remain regarding the means of wealth accumulation, potential exploitation, and unequal access to resources. Thus, the central question becomes not only whether successful businesspeople benefit others, but also how and to what extent these benefits occur across the entire financial journey—from wealth creation to philanthropic distribution. The essay concludes that both earning and spending can be ethically justified when guided by utilitarian principles that prioritize collective welfare and long-term human flourishing.