Utilitarianism Chp. 2

A detailed Summary of Utilitarianism Chp. 2

To explain utilitarianism, Mill begins by pointing out two common mistakes those who oppose utilitarianism believe to be true about it. The first common misconception that the opposers believe is that, when they hear the term 'utility' as a test for right and wrong, they often think of it as being the opposite of pleasure. The second misconception Mill wrote about is that the term utilitarian is perverted because of its constant misuse, which implies superiority to frivolity or "the mere pleasures of the moment" (Mill, 913). Mill's purpose for writing this piece is to shine a light on the true theory of utilitarianism and to clear up any misunderstandings on the subject.

Utilitarianism is a theory of life, which is grounded on morals, which measures what is right and wrong. To examine what actions are deemed right or wrong, utilitarians use the greatest happiness principle. This principle expresses that the right action is the one that leads to best outcome by recognizing right as the promotion of pleasure over pain. Utilitarians believe that the right action will always either prevent pain or elevate pleasure. Pleasure for utilitarians does not just propose bodily pleasure, but p

Those who oppose utilitarianism also feel that utilitarians are cold and unsympathetic. This is another misguided conception. Utilitarians feel that no person should be allowed to do something which wrong without consequence just because this person may normally abide by what is right. Utilitarians do not feel that a virtuous character alone is enough, they give all possessions and qualities their rightful acceptance. They strongly believe in right and wrong and will not accept mental disposition, which has a tendency to promote bad conduct. For instance, if a child does something wrong, and the parents do not correct him, the parents are doing something wrong. Since he is a child, the parents should be teaching which actions are right and which are wrong. If this is not done, than the child will never learn.

As Mill puts it, "The golden rule of Jesus of Nazareth reads the complete spirit of the ethics of utility" (Mill, 920). Some oppose utilitarianism based upon their objection to its high standards, because they feel that they should be able to obtain their pleasure without regard to the pain they may cause others. Although utilitarians believe that one's pleasure should be obtained with a high standard of morals and a sense of duty, they do not believe that all acts of duty are just, especially those that infringe on morality. An example of this can be seen in cases where soldiers following orders from those in command are charged with war crimes, since they should have been aware that those actions were morally wrong. Such was the case of those following orders of Lt. Cali during the Vietnam War. Utilitarians believe that by taking into consideration those around you when seeking happiness, you are benefiting not only those nearest you but also those further away from you. Th!

To clear up some of the previously mentioned misconceptions, we must go back to the greatest happiness principle. In this principle, those in opposition fail to consider nobleness of character. The principle states that "the standard is not the agent's own greatest happiness but the greatest amount of happiness altogether" (Mill, 916). When a person acts nobly, he sacrifices some of his personal happiness. This is not inconsistent with Utilitarian Doctrine because he is doing so to promote the happiness or to diminish the pain of others for the greater good. The assumption of those who believe that utilitarians expect a world completely absent of pain is misguided. This presupposition can be clarified by two statements given by Mill; "... if by happiness be meant a continuity of highly pleasurable excitement, it is evident enough that this is impossible" and " the happin

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Approximate Word count = 1802
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)

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