In 1863, John Stuart Mill presented Utilitarianism, a sixty four page essay in which he argues utilitarianism as the solution to end the crisis moral thinking poses. He contends utilitarianism is unconditionally utilized when setting the moral standard on what are right and/or wrong. In his general remarks he establishes the framework for his arguments. Mill defines morality to be essential; morality can only be justified right or wrong based on the moral nature of the action. In his essay Mill aims to identify why people have not been able to come to a consensus in regards to the essential principle of morality. He begins to express the importance of the morality as a utilitarian concept. In chapter two Mill puts a label on utilitarianism. He presents utility as the existence of pleasure and the absence of pain which is significant because this foundation of morality is what every individual needs. I think he comments on philosophical theories proposed before his time as Mill mentions achieving happiness would not be moral by his standards. To a certain extent, morality is influenced by the individual’s idea of the greatest happiness. Mill continues to argue that utility is a foundational measurement therefore all actions should be justified according to a variety of the subject at hand.
In chapter three of Mill’s Utilitarianism we come across his ultimate line of reasoning. If society was to educate individuals to incorporate utilitarianism into their lives then the individuals and equally society would encourage social utility as a morally good sentiment. Similar to happiness, individuals must encourage natural utilitarian sentiments because it is important to developing a better human nature. Mill continues to mention one should be motivated in concurrence with the principle of utility. Individuals have a motive for their actions aside from the external and internal sanctions there is a “natural basis of sentiment for utilitarian morality." After reading chapter three I think I understand the point he is attempting to make but I struggle to understand the psychological basis Mill tries to make for living a utilitarian lifestyle.
Mill begins chapter four by arguing the basic motivation for every act formulates itself through one’s need to fulfill a desire. He uses the desire for happiness as an example because this desirable objective has an ultimate end. In order to proof utilitarianism he begins from the roots which stem from Aristotle. He associates virtuous acts with pleasure because if we are performing virtuous actions it will bring one pleasure. Mill distinguishes virtue as a contingent act separate of the concern for happiness and it should be desired as virtue itself and not virtue towards happiness.
However in chapter five, Mill addresses the opposing problems of utilitarianism. In his attempts to validate rights and justice he points out the requirements for justice are in evident indifference to happiness. Justice is independent of utility and is therefore is equally debated as the theory of utility. Justice is of the highest importance because it is the ultimate end for rules and laws. Any attempt to discard these rules and laws is harmful to a balanced state. Every person who wants happiness for society and himself is displaying the basic principles of utilitarianism. The individuals and equally society would encourage social utility as a morally good sentiment. Similar to happiness, individuals must encourage natural utilitarian sentiments because it is important to developing a better human nature. Therefore the duties one in society must be perfect duties for their sentiments and contributions to society are in favor of utilitarianism.
Mill begins chapter four by arguing the basic motivation for every act formulates itself through one’s need to fulfill a desire. He uses the desire for happiness as an example because this desirable objective has an ultimate end. In order to proof utilitarianism he begins from the roots which stem from Aristotle. He associates virtuous acts with pleasure because if we are performing virtuous actions it will bring one pleasure. Mill distinguishes virtue as a contingent act separate of the concern for happiness and it should be desired as virtue itself and not virtue towards happiness.
However in chapter five, Mill addresses the opposing problems of utilitarianism. In his attempts to validate rights and justice he points out the requirements for justice are in evident indifference to happiness. Justice is independent of utility and is therefore is equally debated as the theory of utility. Justice is of the highest importance because it is the ultimate end for rules and laws. Any attempt to discard these rules and laws is harmful to a balanced state. Every person who wants happiness for society and himself is displaying the basic principles of utilitarianism. The individuals and equally society would encourage social utility as a morally good sentiment. Similar to happiness, individuals must encourage natural utilitarian sentiments because it is important to developing a better human nature. Therefore the duties one in society must be perfect duties for their sentiments and contributions to society are in favor of utilitarianism.
