The Enchanted Initiate
A Journal of Traditional Symbolism, Hermeticism & the Occult Sciences

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is a philosophical approach centered around practical outcomes, often prioritizing utility and the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This theory holds that the moral worth of an action is determined solely by its contribution to overall utility, which is typically measured by the net happiness or well-being it generates. While utilitarianism focuses on practical outcomes, it does not inherently disregard aesthetic or moral considerations but rather places them in the context of their impact on overall utility. The guiding principle of utilitarianism is that actions and policies should be evaluated based on their ability to maximize happiness and minimize suffering for the majority, making it a consequentialist framework that emphasizes the results of actions over their intrinsic moral value.

Concordance & Cross-References

Primary Correspondences & Figures

Both positivism and utilitarianism aim to understand the world through empirical means

Chiram→Person

Utilitarianism, as a philosophy, provides a modern interpretation of the CHiram myth, emphasizing practical outcomes over aesthetic concerns

Mediate Correspondences

Sympathetic Chains & Distant Affinities

UtilitarianismthroughPositive StateilluminatesSpirit →
I. Utilitarianism & Positive State

Both positivism and utilitarianism aim to understand the world through empirical means

II. Positive State & Spirit

The entity "POSITIVE STATE" is described in relation to the philosophical approach known as positivism. Positivism, in this context, refers to a method of understanding the world through empirical methods and materialistic science, emphasizing the seeking of empirical evidence rather than spiritual explanations. This philosophical orientation, advocated by positivism, stands in contrast to neo-Hegelianism, which incorporates spiritual aspects into its understanding of phenomena. The core of positivism lies in its aim to explain the world without recourse to spiritual or metaphysical concepts. It eschews reliance on spiritual or metaphysical explanations, striving to banish spirit from the universe to focus solely on materialistic science and empirical evidence. The ultimate goal of positivism is to provide explanations grounded in observable data and material reality, free from spiritual or metaphysical influences. Thus, the comprehensive description of the "POSITIVE STATE" in terms of positivism underscores its emphasis on empirical methodology and materialistic scientific principles in the pursuit of understanding the world.

UtilitarianismthroughChiramilluminatesHermes →
I. Utilitarianism & Chiram

Utilitarianism, as a philosophy, provides a modern interpretation of the CHiram myth, emphasizing practical outcomes over aesthetic concerns

II. Chiram & Hermes

Hermes is connected to CHiram through the Emerald Tablet, representing a link between ancient wisdom and Masonic symbolism

UtilitarianismthroughChiramilluminatesChrist →
I. Utilitarianism & Chiram

Utilitarianism, as a philosophy, provides a modern interpretation of the CHiram myth, emphasizing practical outcomes over aesthetic concerns

II. Chiram & Christ

CHiram is often seen as a symbol of Christ, representing rebirth, sacrifice, and spiritual redemption

UtilitarianismthroughChiramilluminatesChiram Abiff →
I. Utilitarianism & Chiram

Utilitarianism, as a philosophy, provides a modern interpretation of the CHiram myth, emphasizing practical outcomes over aesthetic concerns

II. Chiram & Chiram Abiff

CHiram Abiff is a central figure in Masonic legend, symbolizing the Cosmic Martyr, a representative of the dying god and the spiritual journey embodied by the name CHiram.

UtilitarianismthroughPositive StateilluminatesScience →
I. Utilitarianism & Positive State

Both positivism and utilitarianism aim to understand the world through empirical means

II. Positive State & Science

Both positivism and science focus on empirical and scientific methods to understand the world

UtilitarianismthroughChiramilluminatesSocrates →
I. Utilitarianism & Chiram

Utilitarianism, as a philosophy, provides a modern interpretation of the CHiram myth, emphasizing practical outcomes over aesthetic concerns

II. Chiram & Socrates

Socrates is a symbol of truth and knowledge, related to CHiram within the domain of enlightenment and wisdom

UtilitarianismthroughChiramilluminatesOsiris →
I. Utilitarianism & Chiram

Utilitarianism, as a philosophy, provides a modern interpretation of the CHiram myth, emphasizing practical outcomes over aesthetic concerns

II. Chiram & Osiris

CHiram is symbolically related to Osiris, the Egyptian deity, representing rebirth and spiritual awakening

UtilitarianismthroughPositive StateilluminatesTheology →
I. Utilitarianism & Positive State

Both positivism and utilitarianism aim to understand the world through empirical means

II. Positive State & Theology

Theology progresses to the positive stage where intellectual and empirical methods are emphasized over spiritual speculation

UtilitarianismthroughChiramilluminatesOrpheus →
I. Utilitarianism & Chiram

Utilitarianism, as a philosophy, provides a modern interpretation of the CHiram myth, emphasizing practical outcomes over aesthetic concerns

II. Chiram & Orpheus

Orpheus is a symbolic figure from mythology, representing the idea of a great teacher or leader, similar to CHiram

UtilitarianismthroughChiramilluminatesAdepts →
I. Utilitarianism & Chiram

Utilitarianism, as a philosophy, provides a modern interpretation of the CHiram myth, emphasizing practical outcomes over aesthetic concerns

II. Chiram & Adepts

Alchemical adepts use the name Chiram for Hiram, relating to the personality and teachings he represents