The Applications Of John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism

The following paper critically assesses the applications of John Stuart Mill’s philosophy of utilitarianism. Through analyzing a notorious criticism of his doctrine, I will argue that utilitarianism is a reasonable moral philosophy, as while it is concerned with maximizing overall happiness, it still acknowledges the motivations of individual actors. This paper will: consider the problem of distributive justice, argue why it fails to acknowledge his emphasis on personal dignity and private interest, and then assert why utility is a worthy end for an ethical doctrine. The foundation of Mill's ethic is the principle of utility, which dictates that an action is right to the extent that it causes happiness, and wrong insofar as it causes …show more content…
While a utilitarian is seemingly only concerned with overall happiness, as dictated by the principle of utility, there are checks on the doctrine that Mill introduces to maintain its plausibility. First, while Mill does acknowledge the superiority of intellectual pleasures, suggesting that the above example should hold, the assault on the human dignity of the slaves, a component of happiness which Mill considers to be indispensable, actually elevates their pain to more than what an animal is capable of suffering (¶6). For example, a slave would not only feel the physical pain of labor, but they would also reflect on that pain, question their current state, and fear what is to come. It is their capacity for reason that deepens the suffering, thus their loss of dignity is actually more than what is gained by their …show more content…
This term complements his earlier emphasis on total happiness through acknowledging the considerations of individuals. This inclusion suggests that there should be an equilibrium between what individual persons need, and what may benefit a group. In contrast, proponents of the aforementioned example seem to judge the act on its own against the principle of utility. Mill's discussion of both dignity and private utility suggest at a reading of his doctrine that seems to be based on a rule which protects the rights of individuals. Before using slave labor, then, one must ask whether the decision would infringe upon these rights, and also whether that infringement would maximize utility. I am sure that a rule based utilitarian like Mill would answer no to both questions. Mill explicitly says that the situations in which public utility should be considered are exceptional, while most actions are done to benefit individuals (¶19). It follows that there is a moral check that reiterates the separateness of persons while suggesting that the happiness of all should be considered. I find this to be quite