Utilitarianism In The 19th Century Essay

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The democracy of the United States today is deeply intertwined with a utilitarian mindset. The ideals formed by the many thinkers/writers of the 18h-19th century can still be seen as prevalent in today’s society. The enlightened philosophes of the 17th-18th century had paved the way for a new form of political system. The idea of utilitarianism was preached by a number of prestigious writers, including John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham, and the United States own John Adams. This school of thought made its way to the United States early in the nation’s history and is deeply rooted within the origins of our great country. Utilitarianism is defined by Merriam-Webster as the belief that a morally good action is one that helps the greatest number of people ("Utilitarianism."). Before the American Revolution, this nation appeared quite different from a political perspective. Having been dictated by foreign tyrants for over a hundred years, it was clear people had become fed up with their current governmental system. The rulers of this time had little to no regard for the well-being of the people within the colonies. King George III stated, “Once vigorous measures appear to be the only means left of bringing the …show more content…

Throughout the essay, Mills speaks highly of utilitarianism as a way to construct a happier more stable society. “The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, Utility, or the greatest Happiness Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness” (Mill 137). The ideas of such political philosophers such as Mills and Bentham enticed the modern world at the time of their publication, including the people of the U.S. The concept of utilitarianism started shaping America many years ago, and it is important to realize its consequence in modern day

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