Mill Utilitarianism
John Stuart Mill’s account of Utilitarianism claims “that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness” (Mill, 7). In addition, “the happiness which forms the utilitarian standard of what is right in conduct is not the agent’s own happiness but that of all concerned” (17). Individuals are often confronted with a choice which benefits others but fails to contribute something in return. Before deciding how to act, one evaluates what is justifiable, but he/she may immediately refrain from the act if it is harmful to him/her.
Yet, many find good acts those which enhance the utility of society, regardless of potential harm, diminished personal happiness, or renouncement …show more content…
Mill describes two types of sanctions which are involved with Utilitarianism, and consequently, provides answer to the question “what are the motives to obey?” (27). The first sanction is external which derive from external sources such as God and/or pressures to conform. The second, internal sanction, is “a feeling in our own mind; a pain, more or less intense, attendant on violation of duty, which in properly cultivated moral natures rises, in this more serious cases, into shrinking from it as an impossibility” (28). It derives from one’s conscious and influences individuals to abide by duty, and creates guilty when one fails to do …show more content…
Therefore, it can often be a difficult subject for students who are not exactly philosophical thinkers. But by applying the principles of the theory to contemporary human behavior, students get a better understanding of the theory. In fact, this topic allowed me to further dissect Mill’s essay and combine the numerous facts that make up Utilitarianism. For example, I was able to understand the importance of higher level pleasures which helped me develop great interest in Mills theory. For me, Utilitarianism is no longer a narrow minded theory that does not apply to everyone. In fact, I now believe that Utilitarianism is present in everyday good acts through which individuals cultivate their virtues by exchanging lower or higher levels of happiness for intellectual, cultural, or spiritual
Yet, many find good acts those which enhance the utility of society, regardless of potential harm, diminished personal happiness, or renouncement …show more content…
Mill describes two types of sanctions which are involved with Utilitarianism, and consequently, provides answer to the question “what are the motives to obey?” (27). The first sanction is external which derive from external sources such as God and/or pressures to conform. The second, internal sanction, is “a feeling in our own mind; a pain, more or less intense, attendant on violation of duty, which in properly cultivated moral natures rises, in this more serious cases, into shrinking from it as an impossibility” (28). It derives from one’s conscious and influences individuals to abide by duty, and creates guilty when one fails to do …show more content…
Therefore, it can often be a difficult subject for students who are not exactly philosophical thinkers. But by applying the principles of the theory to contemporary human behavior, students get a better understanding of the theory. In fact, this topic allowed me to further dissect Mill’s essay and combine the numerous facts that make up Utilitarianism. For example, I was able to understand the importance of higher level pleasures which helped me develop great interest in Mills theory. For me, Utilitarianism is no longer a narrow minded theory that does not apply to everyone. In fact, I now believe that Utilitarianism is present in everyday good acts through which individuals cultivate their virtues by exchanging lower or higher levels of happiness for intellectual, cultural, or spiritual