<P> Thus, the moral value of one - celled organisms, as well as some multi-cellular organisms, and natural entities like a river, is only in the benefit they provide to sentient beings . Similarly, utilitarianism places no direct intrinsic value on biodiversity, although the benefits that biodiversity bring to sentient beings may mean that, on utilitarianism, biodiversity ought to be maintained in general . </P> <P> In John Stuart Mill's essay "On Nature" he argues that the welfare of wild animals is to be considered when making utilitarian judgments . Tyler Cowen argues that, if individual animals are carriers of utility, then we should consider limiting the predatory activity of carnivores relative to their victims: "At the very least, we should limit current subsidies to nature's carnivores ." </P> <P> An article in the American journal for Economics has addressed the issue of Utilitarian ethics within redistribution of wealth . The journal stated that taxation of the wealthy is the best way to make use of the disposable income they receive . This says that the money creates utility for the most people by funding government services . Many utilitarian philosophers, including Peter Singer and Toby Ord, argue that inhabitants of developed countries in particular have an obligation to help to end extreme poverty across the world, for example by regularly donating some of their income to charity . Peter Singer, for example, argues that donating some of one's income to charity could help to save a life or cure somebody from a poverty - related illness, which is a much better use of the money as it brings someone in extreme poverty far more happiness than it would bring to oneself if one lived in relative comfort . However, Singer not only argues that one ought to donate a significant proportion of one's income to charity, but also that this money should be directed to the most cost - effective charities, in order to bring about the greatest good for the greatest number, consistent with utilitarian thinking . Singer's ideas have formed the basis of the modern effective altruist movement . </P>

Who said the greatest good for the greatest number