In this paper I will examine the moral theory of utilitarianism as presented by John Stuart Mill in Utilitarianism. First, I will present the greatest happiness principle, which is the central idea of utilitarianism and its consequentialist nature, then establish how Mill defines happiness and pleasure. Next, I will explain the objection to utilitarianism which questions the practicality of the greatest happiness principle and the need for moral calculations in situations where moral decisions must me made. I will then examine Mill’s response to this criticism through distinguishing between the two classes of moral rules: the subordinate rules of morality and the fundamental rules of morality. I believe that Mill’s defense to this objection
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According to Mill, this would be a ridiculous argument against Christianity and it is the same that is made against utilitarianism. Christians familiarize themselves with their religion and beliefs, so that in times where they require moral guidance, they already possess a set of rules and have insight into which course of action would best align with their values. Similarly to Christianity, there has been time to make these “calculations” about which actions will bring about the greatest net increase in happiness. Mill states, “During all that time mankind have been learning by experience the tendencies of actions…” (p.374). When man finds himself in a position to take an action, he is not considering the consequences for the first time, but rather, he knows what actions tend to promote happiness and which do not. Mill uses the example of murder and theft, we know that typically these types of actions minimize happiness more than maximize it. We rely on familiar principles that were proven throughout history, therefore, extensive calculations are unnecessary in every situation (p.374).
In Mill’s defense of utilitarianism, he creates a distinction between two moral rules. One is the subordinate rules of morality; this particular set of rules are classified under …show more content…
One level aligns with subordinate rules and is known as rule utilitarianism, while the other level closely follows the fundamental moral rules. Rule utilitarianism can be associated with an intuitive class of thinking; it tends to deal with the tendencies that actions have. On the other level, act utilitarianism can be referred to as critical moral thinking because it requires thought about what which course of action would produce the most happiness instead of following a narrow set of do’s and
According to Mill, this would be a ridiculous argument against Christianity and it is the same that is made against utilitarianism. Christians familiarize themselves with their religion and beliefs, so that in times where they require moral guidance, they already possess a set of rules and have insight into which course of action would best align with their values. Similarly to Christianity, there has been time to make these “calculations” about which actions will bring about the greatest net increase in happiness. Mill states, “During all that time mankind have been learning by experience the tendencies of actions…” (p.374). When man finds himself in a position to take an action, he is not considering the consequences for the first time, but rather, he knows what actions tend to promote happiness and which do not. Mill uses the example of murder and theft, we know that typically these types of actions minimize happiness more than maximize it. We rely on familiar principles that were proven throughout history, therefore, extensive calculations are unnecessary in every situation (p.374).
In Mill’s defense of utilitarianism, he creates a distinction between two moral rules. One is the subordinate rules of morality; this particular set of rules are classified under …show more content…
One level aligns with subordinate rules and is known as rule utilitarianism, while the other level closely follows the fundamental moral rules. Rule utilitarianism can be associated with an intuitive class of thinking; it tends to deal with the tendencies that actions have. On the other level, act utilitarianism can be referred to as critical moral thinking because it requires thought about what which course of action would produce the most happiness instead of following a narrow set of do’s and