Mill's Theory Of Utilitarianism

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John Stuart Mill’s theory of Utilitarianism is a moral consequentialist view that maintains actions are good if they lead to happiness and bad if they lead to suffering. The same rationale can be applied to obstruction—whatever prevents suffering is morally good, and whatever prevents happiness is morally bad. It should be noted Mill characterizes happiness as “pleasure and the absence of pain” (104). He also puts forth that intellectual pleasures—such as the satisfaction that comes with finishing a paper, or having a successful long-term friendship—are better than the animalistic pleasures taken in eating or sex. Proponents of this moral theory believe the most moral action is one that maximizes total happiness for the greatest amount of people. …show more content…

But a utilitarian would contend a person could be autonomous and still not achieve authentic happiness; autonomy does not ensure freedom or success. Absolute freedom is difficult, if not impossible, to guarantee. Humans have yet to prove there can be a functioning society without hierarchical oppressive power structures. Practical utilitarians are aware that unrealistic strict utilitarian calculations for equality are difficult to apply in real life. Life is not always fair or work out as planned. That said, utilitarianism 's goal is to maximize happiness in both quality and quantity. Yes, the quality of happiness would be better if the oppressed had the autonomy and freedom to overcome their oppression and reach an authentic level of happiness. But is it not better to have a life of pleasure that lacks autonomy over a life of suffering with autonomy—even if the pleasure is artificial? Ignorance is bliss. Giving an oppressed person autonomy could potentially harm their chances at achieving any type of happiness at all. Even if the quality of artificial pleasure is lesser, it is still better than a nonexistent quantity of any type of happiness. Furthermore, Mill’s harm principle states, “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to

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