Analysis: Explain what 'Mill means, in the context of Utilitarian theory.

Discussion: Is Mill's view in this respect consistent with the spirit of Utilitarianism

To really understand what Mill means in the context of Utilitarian theory you need to know the general meaning of The Principal of Utilitarianism. The Principal of Utilitarianism is a normative, ethical, and moral theory. It is a kind of formula or law that is designed to tell us what to do. What we should do is follow whatever set of rules that will produce the best consequences. The best consequences are those involving the most possible pleasure according to Bentham or true happiness according to Mill.

Mill defines of utilitarianism is a theory based on the principle that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. Mill defines happiness as pleasure and the absence of pain. He argues that pleasure can differ in quality and quantity, and that pleasures that are rooted in one's higher faculties should be weighted more heavily than baser pleasures. Furthermore, Mill argues that

people's achievement of goals and ends, such as virtuous living, should be counted as part of their happiness.

Utilitarianism can serve not only as a moral standard, but also as a sanction, incentive, or motivating reason for an action. There are two Sources of Sanction, Internal and External . Internal Sanction is a Subjective feeling. It is a feeling of Pain stemming from a known violation of duty. A Conscience feeling connected with pure idea of duty and moral motivation. The next source of sanction is External Sanctions. Some examples are Hope of reward, fear of punishment or at least other's displeasure, and Sympathy or affection for others.

"We do not call anything wrong, unless we mean to imply that a person ought to be punished in some way or other for doing it; if not by law, by the opinion of his fellow-creatures; if not by opinion, by the reproaches of his own conscience. This seems the real turning point of the distinction between morality and simple expediency. It is part of the notion of Duty in every one of its forms, that a person may rightfully be compelled to fulfil it. Duty is a thing which may be exacted from a person, as one exacts a debt.... Reasons of prudence, or the interest of other people, may militate against actually exacting it; but the person himself, it is clearly understood, would not be entitled to complain. There are other things, on the contrary, which we wish that People should do, which we li

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Approximate Word count = 974
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)