Contemporary Moral Problems

Book Review Chapter 1: Ethical Theories:

John Stuart Mill: Utilitarianism

Library Reference: N/A

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Moral-Problems-James-White/dp/0534584306/ref=pd_bbs_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233793391&sr=8-1

Quote:  “Utilitarian standard is the greatest happiness of all.”

    I think this is a good thing because happiness should not be just for a portion of people but for everyone here on earth. All of us humans must be happy. It is a must and asides from being a must, being happy is also part of our health. If we are always depressed and stressed, it wouldn’t be good for our health. So, we really need to be happy.

Learning Expectation:

    I want to know who John Stuart Mill is. Moreover, I want to learn his moral and ethical beliefs and what he has to say. I also would like to learn what Utilitarianism is all about. It is said that in this chapter, Mill will explain some principles regarding utilitarianism, so I want to know what’s it about and if it does matter.

Review:

    Before anything else, here’s a brief introduction about the author John Stuart Mill. As said in the book, John Stuart Mill was one of the most important and influential British philosophers. He lived during the eighteen hundreds from 1806-1873. His most important works in ethics are On Liberty (1859) and Utilitarianism (1861), from which the reading is taken.

    Mill brings us the basic principles of utilitarianism, including the Principle of Utility (of the Greatest Happiness Principle) and the hedonistic principle that happiness pleasure. Mill explains to us the theory by replying to various objections and connections and concludes with an attempt to prove the Principle of Utility.

    It has been discussed by Mill that Great Happiness Principle holds that actions are right in proportion, as they tend to promote happiness, wrong, as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. Lying and Stealing are wrong and it is in our religious beliefs that it is wrong, that's why it doesn't brig happiness. But with regards to who’s happiness should be considered, he stated that Utilitarian standard is the greatest happiness of all.

What I’ve learned:

    I have learned that Utilitarian standard is the greatest happiness of all. Asides from that, Great Happiness Principle holds that actions are right in proportion, as they tend to promote happiness, wrong, as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. Lying and Stealing are wrong and it is in our religious beliefs that it is wrong, that's why it doesn't brig happiness. But with regards to who’s happiness should be considered, he stated that Utilitarian standard is the greatest happiness of all.

Questions:

1.    Does all accept Utilitarianism?

2.    What is the reaction of different philosophers with this matter?

3.    Is there anything wrong with Utilitarianism?

4.    What are the benefits of Utilitarianism?

5.    Is it adaptable today?

Citation: (James E. White, St. Cloud State University, 2003)