John Stuart Mill and Utilitarianism
analytical Essay
1351 words
A major problem in society John Stuart Mill highlights is that there is not a set standard for judging what makes something right or wrong. Clearing these principles is one of the fundamental steps for consensus on moral thinking. Mill believes that what makes something right or wrong is based on whether it is thought of as “good”. However, this only further raises the question on what is considered good. Mill purposes the goodness as a principle of utility, otherwise known as greatest happiness principle. Whatever brings about the most happiness is what is the most good. While others argue that natural instincts disprove the principle of utility as well as any other standard on morals, Mill believes the consistency of moral beliefs throughout history shows that there is in fact some kind of foundation. The main idea behind the utilitarianism is that all actions are done to bring about the maximum amount of happiness. One could argue that often times what brings happiness for one person can hurt another person. However, Mill’s idea focuses on the maximum happiness of the world at large and not just that of a specific person. Mill’s utilitarianism does not include happiness of a person that results in a general decrease of the happiness of society as a whole. Therefore an action can be labeled as right if it promotes general happiness of a society and wrong if it reverses the happiness of a society. What brings about happiness is pleasure and what reverses happiness is pain. The value of different pleasures is also a point of interest for Mill. Mill’s version of utilitarianism requires a comparison between different types of pleasures. Mill says that pleasure can be measured by both quality and quantity. A pleasure could be consi... ... middle of paper ... ...laves as possible. Is it still valid to call it “good” if one is able to fulfill this desire? Leaving moral judgment to be based off of human desires can turn downhill because sometimes people may desire something that is either trivial, crazy, or atrocious. Those who defend preference utilitarianism may try to set limits on the types of desires good and bad could be based on. For example if a person was found to be extremely uneducated, the goals they would want to achieve may not reflect what they would desire if they knew more about the world. While Mill’s utilitarianism was extremely well thought out, it has its limitations. Similarly, preference utilitarianism also has it flaws. Truthfully, moral thinking and judgment cannot have a straightforward answer. The proper guideline of morality most likely rests somewhere in the middle of these and other theories.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that john stuart mill believes that what makes something right or wrong is based on whether it is thought of as "good". mill uses the goodness as a principle of utility, or greatest happiness principle.
- Argues that mill's utilitarianism focuses on the maximum happiness of the world at large and not just that of a specific person.
- Argues that mill's utilitarianism requires a comparison between different types of pleasures. mill believes that high quality pleasure can be measured by both quality and quantity.
- Analyzes how mill confronts the objection that most virtuous people in history have abandoned and sacrificed their happiness, but he states that the end goal is to bring happiness to others.
- Explains that mill believes that justice is based off of the principle of utility. rights represent the establishment on which further happiness can be fulfilled.
- Analyzes how mill's utilitarianism creates loopholes in getting about actions that may be deemed generally immoral simply because they offer a greater good.
- Explains that mill sees utilitarianism as a great means to judge right and wrong because it incorporates some human feelings and opinions on morals.
- Explains that mill's utilitarianism with its focus on pleasure alone can be analyzed using the "experience machine" brought forward by nozick.
- Explains that peter singer's utilitarnism looks at happiness through a different angle. in preference utilitarianism, the maximum good depends on how well the desires of those involved have been fulfilled.
- Explains that preference utilitarianism can answer questions that mill's more classical utilitarism cannot. if a man wanted to watch legal adult films, mill’s could not explain why he should not watch them.
- Explains that preference utilitarianism can raise questions, such as if a person desired something as horrible as owning as many slaves as possible.
- Opines that mill's utilitarianism was well thought out, but it also has its limitations. the proper guideline of morality rests somewhere in the middle of these and other theories.
Related
- analytical
- argumentative
- explanatory
- comparative
- John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianismanalytical essayIn John Stuart Mill’s literature (575-580), he describes a system of ethics which he dubs as Utilitarianism. Mill’s Utilitarianism is unique because it is a Consequentialist theory – it focuses on the consequences of things, rather than individual processes involved. In other words, Mill argues that, for an action to be morally correct, it must solely contribute towards benefitting the greater good and maximizing humanity’s happiness. I argue that this ethical theory is flawed and cannot be used as a standard to gauge the morality of our actions because, since Utilitarianism is so entrenched on the outcomes that are produced, it has the potential to sanction clearly wrong actions, so long as they promote the general welfare. In this critique,
In this essay, the author
- Argues that john stuart mill's utilitarianism is flawed and cannot be used as a standard to gauge the morality of our actions.
- Analyzes how a wanted criminal kills an innocent man because the bystander's wife and nine-year-old son were present and contacted ities.
- Analyzes how mill argues that in cases where wrong actions contribute to the greater good, we must overlook individual unethical actions. this assertion is incorrect because it presupposes that human emotions can be predicted with absolute certainty.
- Argues that life imprisonment for the criminal is less ethically distasteful, while still providing justice to the victim’s family. mill might object to this alternative on the grounds that it does not promote the general welfare.
- Argues that utilitarianism is so fixated on generating the most happiness that the need to take into account the morality of the individual actions that constitute the result is essentially eradicated.
715 wordsRead More - Criticism In John Mill's What Utilitarianism Is By Millanalytical essayIn What Utilitarianism Is by Mill, we can see that society is very ambivalent about utilitarianism as a moral compass. “Utilitarianism is an ethical philosophy in which the happiness of the greatest number of people in the society os considered the greatest good.” In this theory anything that ends in happiness is considered as good and wring if it concludes in unhappiness. There is no moral ground rules when it comes to this ethical philosophy because overall happiness is the aim and not the actions that are taken to get there. Mill spends this chapter responding to the common criticism utilitarianism is faced with. Mill suggests that pleasure or happiness is the only criterion for deciding what is good and bad. He simply says that defines
In this essay, the author
- Explains how mill discusses the difference between happiness and content. mill states that humans are superior to animals, but their sense of dignity is essential to their happiness.
- Analyzes mill's notion that people are capable of voluntarily turing off their happiness for the sake of others, but just because they can does not mean that the should.
- Explains that happiness is an acceptable guide to ethical decision-making because it is everyone's overall goal. utilitarianism is a widely accepted principle that is seen all over the world.
- Analyzes how mill's "what utilitarianism is" is an ethical philosophy in which happiness is the only criterion for deciding what is good and bad.
- Opines that the utilitarian standard promotes equality because its aim is to have happiness for the majority and does not make any special considerations.
1380 wordsRead More - Utilitarianism Essayanalytical essayOne of the major players in ethical theories has long been the concept of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism states that in general the ethical rightness or wrongness of an action is directly related to the utility of that action.”Such theories suppose that the only thing that has non derivatives value is the welfare or happiness of sentient being. “(pg. 450) There are two types of Utilitarianism; these are “act” and “rule”. An act utilitarian uses thought processes associated with utilitarianism (i.e. the principle of utility) to make all decisions, this requires a lot of thought and careful calculation. Contrary to an act utilitarian, a rule utilitarian uses the principles of utility to create a set of rules by which they live. Rule utilitarians are not incapable of calculating a decision; they just do not see a need to do it all the time. Utility is more specifically defined as a measure of the goodness or badness of the consequences of an action.” …Utility, or the Greatest happiness principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to produce the the reverse happiness. By happiness is intended, pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of pleasure.” (pg.461) For Mill it was not so much about the quantity but the quality of pleasure. “It would be absurd that while, in estimating all other things, quality is considered as well as quantity, the estimation of pleasure should be supposed to depend on quantity alone”(pg.462) Mill argues that happiness is the sole basis of morality, and that people never desire anything but happiness. He supports this claim by showing that all the other objects of people's desire are either means to happiness, or included in the definition of happine...
In this essay, the author
- Explains the concept of utilitarianism, which states that the ethical rightness or wrongness of an action is directly related to the utility of that action.
- Explains bentham's theory of hedonistic act utilitarianism, which sees pleasure and pain as the only things with non derivative value.
- Explains that theory would say that you should always help those in need of a helping hand.
- Explains emmanuel kant utilitarianism is deontological (duty ethics), arguing that the rightness of an action depends on the principle(maxim) on which the agent acts.
- Analyzes kant's deontological view on the morality of music, stating that it is the duty of the person listening to music to give credit to the creator.
- Explains bentham's concept of community as a fake body comprised of its members. ethical hedonism is that action promotes greatest happiness for the greatest number.
- Argues that all moral demands should be grounded on single basis of categorical imperative. kant's world is comprised of dignity and price.
- Analyzes how kant backs up his thoughts of what a good person is considered by rights and wrongs.
- Analyzes kant's reasoning for deeming murder bad by looking at his perspective.
1645 wordsRead More - John Stuart Millargumentative essayJohn Stuart Mill (1806-1873) completely changed definition of nineteenth century British views and political discussion. Mill argues for essential experimentation in logic and mathematics implying the primary principles of logic and mathematics are observations instead than know as a priori. Mill's principle of utility is that “actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness” (Mills, J., 1852), this was Mill's focus on ethical philosophy. Utilitarianism suggest an applicant for a prime criterion of morality, a criterion that contributes one with proof differentiating right and wrong. The utilitarian applicant is the criterion of utility, which states that “actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. By happiness is intended pleasure and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain and the privation of pleasure.” (IEP, 2014)
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how john stuart mill changed the definition of nineteenth century british views and political discussion by arguing for essential experimentation in logic and mathematics. utilitarianism suggests an applicant for a prime criterion of morality.
- Compares mill and bentham's theories of utilitarianism. mill believes that intellectual and mental pleasures are more exceptional than physiological dispositions.
- Compares quantitative and qualitative utilitarianism by using the hedonistic calculus. qualitative pleasures need to be carefully defined to avert making an inhumane philosophy.
- Explains that mill's approach is to always seek the greatest good for the largest number, and that ensuing this philosophy will not make time for becoming emotional, which would come in handy in a challenging position.
- Analyzes how sherry and becky have been best friends since they were five years old, but the group she associates herself with doesn't like her and wants her to lead the prank.
- Concludes that mill's intelligence commits with the world instead of fleeing it. he was not a high-end philosopher, even when dealing with complex philosophical cases.
- Cites mill, j.s., a peer reviewed academic resource, internet encyclopedia of philosophy.
868 wordsRead More - John Stuart Mill Free Will Analysisexplanatory essayJohn Stuart Mill investigates free will and the reasoning behind making decisions in his theories of utilitarianism. The concept of utilitarianism explained by Mill, is to establish that the actions that causes the greatest happiness experienced by the greatest number of people are just and right. Mill explains that the quantity of happiness, as well as quality is the aphorism of which individuals should abide by. The opposite or reverse of this happiness is therefore considered wrong. Happiness is defined as pleasure or joyous emotion and the absence of pain and sadness. However, it is uncertain as to what is considered pleasure or pain of an individual. Moreover, freedom from pain is desirable to promote pleasure in an individual and this
In this essay, the author
- Explains that john stuart mill investigates free will and the reasoning behind making decisions in his theories of utilitarianism.
310 wordsRead More - John Stuart Mill and Utilitarianismanalytical essayJohn Stuart Mill and Utilitarianism Utilitarianism defined, is the contention that a man should judge everything based on the ability to promote the greatest individual happiness. In other words Utilitarianism states that good is what brings the most happiness to the most people. John Stuart Mill based his utilitarian principle on the decisions that we make. He says the decisions should always benefit the most people as much as possible no matter what the consequences might be. Mill says that we should weigh the outcomes and make our decisions based on the outcome that benefits the majority of the people.
In this essay, the author
- Explains john stuart mill's utilitarianism, which is the contention that a man should judge everything based on the ability to promote greatest individual happiness.
- Analyzes the moral problems that mill ran into with his principle, namely that actions are right to promote happiness, but wrong as they sometimes tend to produce unhappiness.
- Opines that some pleasures are more alluring than others. the old saying, "you can't have too much of a good thing" is trumped by mill's words.
- Argues that mill's statement that pleasure is the sole requirement for happiness is questionable because pain indirectly affects happiness. real pleasure comes only after experiencing pain.
- Analyzes how mill did not justify the criteria for the rules of happiness.
- Analyzes how bentham criticizes mill's utilitarianism as "fit only for the swine" and argues that there is no set standard to live by for pleasure.
- Explains that man has the intellectual capacity for reason and he should aspire for something more. so pleasure keeps multiplying.
- Explains that the happiness machine is an artificial thought and humans need real experiences. the stranger in town violates the justice of a person because he is thrown into the minority.
- Analyzes how mill sums up his theory by saying that the general happiness is desirable, except that each person believes it is attainable, desiring his own happiness.
- Opines that utilitarianism does state several points of interest. they believe that people intend to do good and the people that produce a bad outcome are not necessarily evil.
1321 wordsRead More - Utilitarianism and Morality in John Stuart Mill´s Essayanalytical essayFor more than two thousand years, the human race has struggled to effectively establish the basis of morality. Society has made little progress distinguishing between morally right and wrong. Even the most intellectual minds fail to distinguish the underlying principles of morality. A consensus on morality is far from being reached. The struggle to create a basis has created a vigorous warfare, bursting with disagreement and disputation. Despite the lack of understanding, John Stuart Mill confidently believes that truths can still have meaning even if society struggles to understand its principles. Mill does an outstanding job at depicting morality and for that the entire essay is a masterpiece. His claims throughout the essay could not be any closer to the truth.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the human race has struggled to establish the basis of morality for more than two thousand years. mill confidently believes truths can still have meaning even if society struggles to understand its principles.
- Explains that morality is an extremely difficult subject to grasp, which is why there is no set basis for it.
- Agrees with john stuart mill's claim in general remarks that the difficulty is not avoided by having recourse to the popular theory of a natural faculty.
- Opines that morality is simplistic, but there is no concrete standard in which society should define as morally right or wrong. mill believes that utilitarianism has had great impact in shaping a moral basis.
- Analyzes how john stuart mill's essay depicts the various unknown complexities of morality. he has a remarkable understanding and appreciation of utilitarianism.
1012 wordsRead More - Analysis Of John Stuart Mill's Essay On Utilitarianismcomparative essayUtilitarianism, is the argument that a man should judge everything based on his ability to promote the greatest individual happiness. In other words, even if your actions are wrong it is morally justified if it is for the greater good or, the greatest individual happiness. There are many different standpoints on what happiness really is, in John Stuart Mill’s essay on utilitarianism he argues that as long as your behavior creates bliss it is accounted for as happiness. Stuart supports his claims by explaining his own research and knowledge on the subject, ¨actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.¨ The author writes this article in order to try and change the
In this essay, the author
- Explains that john stuart mill's essay on utilitarianism argues that as long as your behavior creates bliss it is accounted for as happiness.
- Disagrees with mill's argument that utilitarianism coincided with natural sentiments that originate from humans' social nature.
296 wordsRead More - Essay On The Principle Of Moralityanalytical essayJ.S. Mill’s principle of utility is explained as actions are right as they tend to gain happiness, and wrong as they tend to reduce happiness. Mill defines happiness as, “pleasure and the absence of happiness is pain.” He argues that pleasure can differ in quality and quantity, and that more complex pleasures are ranked higher. Mills also places people’s achievements of goals, such as a virtuous living, should be counted as part of their happiness. When Mill states that the principle of utility is the “First Principle” of morality he is ranking the principle of utility highest because that in order to know what the boundaries of morality are, it is necessary to know how actions should be accounted. The first principle dictates the rest of the principles of morality because it illuminates what the right thing to do is, and that is to maximize happiness. Happiness is the goal of morality, and this is why Mill believes that morality must have a first principle.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes j.s. mill's principle of utility, which explains that actions are right as they tend to gain happiness, and wrong as it tends to reduce happiness.
- Explains that mill is a major contributor to utilitarianism and utilizes the bible to show examples of how it can define morality.
- Analyzes how bernard williams' scenario with george the chemist shows that some aspects of utilitarianism are false when there are injustices or outcomes that reduce happiness.
- Explains that utilitarianism is giving an obligatory moral sense to the agent by giving him a personal sense of responsibility to take the job.
- Argues that an indirect normative utilitarian should make his choice based on utilitarism, but only if it has the least amount of suffering, happiness, and injustices.
- Concludes utilitarianism is a good moral theory to use in everyday life even if some aspects of it do not work.
1144 wordsRead More - Millsanalytical essayI find much importance in this statement because it seems so true. What we determine to be right or wrong comes from how we were brought up. Mill also states, “moral feelings are not innate, but acquired.” For example, I was raised in a family that believed that to go to church as many Sundays as possible was very important. However, to another person this could be less crucial if their parents raised them as, say, atheists. It seems like the beliefs of those who had the most impact on us as we grew up are the ones imbedded in us. Though this is fine for many, problems may arise when dealing in a situation where two people are dealing with one another in an ethical situation and the two individuals were raised in families of totally separated beliefs.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that utilitarianism is reliable because it helps those involved religiously when concerned with what they should do. the problem with the rules of christianity is that there are so many rules to follow.
- Explains why utility should be considered the "ultimate appeal on ethical questions" and in ethical situations.
- Argues utilitarianism is the best clarifier for arising issues.
- Explains that utilitarianism eliminates prejudices and selfishness, so decisions can be made in a fair and effective manner.
1200 wordsRead More