Utilitarianism

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Utilitarianism

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

John Stuart Mill's seminal work outlines a moral theory where the greatest happiness for the greatest number serves as the foundation of ethics. Mill explores the nature of pleasure, the connection between justice and utility, and defends his philosophy against common misconceptions, offering a rigorous examination of ethical decision-making.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Utilitarianism*, John Stuart Mill addresses the fundamental question of morality: what is the ultimate criterion of right and wrong? Mill argues that the principle of utility, or the greatest happiness principle, is the only standard capable of guiding human conduct. He contends that happiness is the sole intrinsic good, while all other desirable things are desirable only as means to that end. Mill distinguishes between higher and lower pleasures, asserting that intellectual and moral satisfactions are superior to mere physical sensations. The text systematically refutes the idea that utilitarianism is a crude hedonism, emphasizing that the theory values character and virtue as essential components of happiness. Mill further investigates the 'ultimate sanction' of the principle, arguing that the natural social feelings of mankind provide the necessary internal binding force for moral obligation. A significant portion of the work is dedicated to the relationship between justice and utility. Mill defines justice as a specific, intense sentiment attached to certain social utilities, particularly the protection of rights and the prevention of harm. He demonstrates that acts of injustice are not merely expediently bad but are inherently wrong because they violate the fundamental requirement of impartiality and the equal claim of every person to happiness. Through logical deduction and psychological insight, Mill establishes that justice is a necessary subset of utility, where the demands of fairness and rights are so paramount that they often override mere expediency. The work concludes by affirming that a well-developed moral character, which loves virtue for its own sake, is the state of mind most conducive to the general happiness.

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4.2/5

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Categories

• Philosophy
• Ethics