Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism
Mill's defense of morality by happiness, consequences, and human development.
About this book
Utilitarianism presents John Stuart Mill's influential defense of the greatest happiness principle. He argues that actions are right insofar as they promote happiness, while also distinguishing higher and lower pleasures, justice, rights, and moral motivation. The book matters because it tries to make ethics humane, public, and rational, without reducing human life to crude calculation.
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- CHAPTER I1808 words
In this chapter, Mill examines why moral philosophy has stalled, pointing to the lack of a shared first principle. He prepares to clarify and defend utilitarianism, noting that ultimate ends resist direct proof.
- CHAPTER II, Part 14595 words
In this chapter, Mill clarifies the utilitarian principle, defending it against the charge that it reduces life to base pleasures. He argues that pleasures differ in quality, not just quantity, and introduces the competent judge as the arbiter of higher worth.
- CHAPTER II, Part 23360 words
Mill continues his defense of utilitarianism, addressing the charge that it demands too much self-sacrifice. He clarifies that the theory values sacrifice only when it increases overall happiness, not as an end in itself.
- CHAPTER II, Part 3284 words
In this chapter, Mill sharpens a key utilitarian distinction: the difference between motive and intention. He argues that while motives may color our judgment of a person, the morality of an act itself hinges solely on intention.
- CHAPTER III3489 words
In this chapter, Mill addresses a common objection to utilitarianism: what gives it its binding force? He argues that the sanctions of morality—both external and internal—apply to utilitarianism as to any other system, and he focuses on the internal sanction of conscience.
- CHAPTER IV2944 words
Mill now turns to the question of proof for the principle of utility. How can we show that happiness is the ultimate end? His answer is a direct appeal to what people actually desire.
- CHAPTER V, Part 14657 words
Mill turns to examine the sentiment of justice, asking whether it is a unique instinct or derived from utility. He prepares to survey common opinions about justice to find its essential character.
- CHAPTER V, Part 24470 words
Mill now ties the sentiment of justice to social sympathy and utility. He argues that the desire to punish becomes moral only when guided by the general good, not personal revenge.
- CHAPTER V, Part 31050 words
Mill now ties justice directly to utility, arguing that impartiality and equality are not separate ideals but necessary implications of the Greatest-Happiness Principle. He explains how this foundation transforms our understanding of social obligations.
- CHAPTER I1808 words
- CHAPTER I385 words
In this chapter, Mill addresses the long-standing lack of agreement on a first principle for morality. He argues that despite this, the principle of utility has deeply influenced ethical thought, even among its critics.
- CHAPTER II, Part 11027 words
Mill introduces the Greatest Happiness Principle, defending it against the charge that it reduces life to base pleasures. He argues for qualitative differences among pleasures, judged by those experienced with both.
- CHAPTER II, Part 2636 words
Mill addresses objections that utilitarianism demands too much self-sacrifice or cold calculation. He clarifies when sacrifice is truly valuable and distinguishes the standard of morality from motives of action.
- CHAPTER II, Part 396 words
What truly determines the rightness of an act? Mill draws a sharp line between the inner feeling that moves us and the will to do a specific thing. The distinction matters more than it seems.
- CHAPTER III785 words
As we explore the foundation of utilitarian morality, we examine what gives it binding force. Mill distinguishes external and internal sanctions, focusing on the subjective feeling of conscience.
- CHAPTER IV667 words
Mill now confronts a central challenge: can happiness be proven as the sole end of human action? He argues that the only evidence for desirability is actual desire, and then examines whether anything else is desired for its own sake.
- CHAPTER V, Part 11068 words
Mill begins by addressing why justice seems to challenge utility as a moral standard. He surveys common conceptions of justice—legal rights, moral rights, desert, fidelity, impartiality, and equality—to uncover its essential features.
- CHAPTER V, Part 21007 words
As we explore justice, Mill traces its roots to a natural desire for retaliation, refined by social sympathy. This chapter examines how that sentiment, guided by utility, becomes the cornerstone of moral obligation.
- CHAPTER V, Part 3265 words
This chapter explores how the principle of utility grounds justice and impartiality. Mill argues that equality of treatment is a direct requirement of the Greatest-Happiness Principle, and that justice names the most important social utilities.
- CHAPTER I385 words
- The Principle of Utility and Its Defense697 words
In this chapter, Mill clarifies the utilitarian principle, defending it against the charge that it reduces life to base pleasures. He argues that pleasures differ in quality, not just quantity, and introduces the competent judge as the arbiter of higher worth.
- The Sanctions, Proof, and Justice of Utilitarianism521 words
This chapter explores the sanctions of utilitarian morality, the proof of the principle of utility, and the nature of justice. Mill addresses common objections and clarifies how happiness serves as the ultimate end.
- The Principle of Utility and Its Defense697 words
Related works
Methodological kin
- An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations
Mill's utilitarisme krijgt economische context naast Smith: welzijn is niet alleen morele rekensom, maar ook sociale ordening.
- On Liberty
Utilitarianism wordt minder plat naast On Liberty: Mill's nutsidee hoort bij vrijheid, individualiteit en hogere vormen van leven.