Theological Utilitarianism A Review of the Values Compatible with Utilitarianism and the Rate of Its Compatibility and Conformity with Islamic Principles

Some Muslim economists who try to reconstruct the utilitarianism function for Muslims behavior by adding the variables and parameters which are confirmed by Islam criticize the dominance of utilitarianism on the demand part of economy in the ordinary sense. The proposition of this approach poses the question that whether or not the problem of utilitarianism can be solved by extending its scope. Using an analytical method, the present paper discusses the idea that the values laid in the function of neoclassic utilitarianism are mutually exclusive with value principles of Islam. As a result, any attempt to put Islamic principles in the aforementioned function will be futile. In order to expound this supposition, the author reviews the idea held by scholars about theological utilitarian, which is a combination of utilitarianism and religious values. The research findings show that, first, the parameters and variables sought by the Muslim thinkers were sought by the first generation of scholars who adhere to utilitarianism, (that is, theological utilitarian scholars). Second, the aforementioned values can at best present an image of the values which are compatible with "the theory of Divine Command", whereas we all know that there is a contradiction between the values proposed by Islam and those emphasized by Divine Command.