Being a Utilitarian evaluates consequences and the choices that situations bring upon someone to determine whether they are right or wrong. While taking this into consideration the action on the overall happiness of society is important. John Stuart Mill believes in utilitarianism, for example he does not believe ones sole happiness is more important than all those who are concerned. As some may know Mill favors inductive reasoning for being systematic. Mill comes to the conclusion that no matter the circumstances there is no grey area it is either good or bad; extremely straight forward. Since Mill is a utilitarian his morals are pretty concise and do not have leeway. The focus of utilitarianism is now happiness and where that emanates from
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Since utilitarianism focuses on the greater good as a whole it amplifies the idea of selflessness. Mill uses the word egoism as an antonym for this theory as he attempts to stray away from self-satisfaction and lean towards influence as a duty. Although the theory promotes a great way to help others and to become benevolent, it is to unrealistic. I definitely can be taught to others and has enough influence behind to make a difference but a world of selflessness seems to only exist in a utopian society. Also, the connection between consequences and action is too strict. This strictness eliminates any grey area that can be incorporated into this belief. I enjoy living life each moment at a time which is the opposite of utilitarianism because it focuses on the consequences of each situation which determines whether that action is good or bad. It is only good if it promotes the groups happiness and entails a negative aspect when it involves self-happiness or pain. The ends of the action justifies the means according to Mill. “Whatever can be proved to be good must be so by being shown to be a means to something admitted to be good without proof.” (Mill 515), an action must be proven to be good according to Mill. Mill does not fully justify why he chose his stance with utilitarianism but as shown it does not seem …show more content…
Many know that happiness is different according to every person whether the action was intentionally good or not. This greatest happiness principle was designed to maximize the good for everyone qualitatively and quantitatively. Since this is an aspect of utilitarianism it works effectively when exclaiming what utilitarianism consists of when discussing happiness. Since this particularly involves happiness to its fullest extent Mill understands this is the reason people enjoy this principle the most. According to Mill “Now, such a theory of life excites in many minds—and among them in some of the most estimable in feeling and purpose—inveterate dislike” (317). This is where I see Mill believe this is the greatest theory since many people seemed to be intrigued by the results of utilitarianism. Not only does Mill strongly believe this theory can help society as a whole but he believes this theory can be taught to others in order to create utilitarianism as a trend. To me this seems nearly impossible for the simple reason that spreading information only works effectively if the recipients actually want the
Since utilitarianism focuses on the greater good as a whole it amplifies the idea of selflessness. Mill uses the word egoism as an antonym for this theory as he attempts to stray away from self-satisfaction and lean towards influence as a duty. Although the theory promotes a great way to help others and to become benevolent, it is to unrealistic. I definitely can be taught to others and has enough influence behind to make a difference but a world of selflessness seems to only exist in a utopian society. Also, the connection between consequences and action is too strict. This strictness eliminates any grey area that can be incorporated into this belief. I enjoy living life each moment at a time which is the opposite of utilitarianism because it focuses on the consequences of each situation which determines whether that action is good or bad. It is only good if it promotes the groups happiness and entails a negative aspect when it involves self-happiness or pain. The ends of the action justifies the means according to Mill. “Whatever can be proved to be good must be so by being shown to be a means to something admitted to be good without proof.” (Mill 515), an action must be proven to be good according to Mill. Mill does not fully justify why he chose his stance with utilitarianism but as shown it does not seem …show more content…
Many know that happiness is different according to every person whether the action was intentionally good or not. This greatest happiness principle was designed to maximize the good for everyone qualitatively and quantitatively. Since this is an aspect of utilitarianism it works effectively when exclaiming what utilitarianism consists of when discussing happiness. Since this particularly involves happiness to its fullest extent Mill understands this is the reason people enjoy this principle the most. According to Mill “Now, such a theory of life excites in many minds—and among them in some of the most estimable in feeling and purpose—inveterate dislike” (317). This is where I see Mill believe this is the greatest theory since many people seemed to be intrigued by the results of utilitarianism. Not only does Mill strongly believe this theory can help society as a whole but he believes this theory can be taught to others in order to create utilitarianism as a trend. To me this seems nearly impossible for the simple reason that spreading information only works effectively if the recipients actually want the