Short paper on Mill - Essay Example

Utilitarianism Affiliation Introduction The term “utilitarianism” has no equivocal nor a precise meaning (Rachels & Rachels . The term refers to an ethical theory seeking to identify the actions wrongness and tightness referencing the bad and good consequences. It is a normative ethical theory that holds the moral action and maximizes utility. Utility comprises different things like economic well-being, lack of suffering and pleasure. Bentham invented “utilitarianism” word, and it was reinvented by Mill for application specifically on their doctrines.

The creed holds that the right actions tend to enhance happiness, and the wrong actions intend the reverse of happiness. Additionally, it is a consequentialist form that states that means get justified by the end. The view can be combined or contrasted with virtues, intentions and compliance with rules as significant to ethics (Rachels & Rachels (2012). The main philosophical position of Mill’s word is that the action’s merits depend on the reference of the consequence (Soifer, 2009). Thus, the theory requires people to have certain knowledge about the future.

Hence, the theory can be interpreted as a moral reform manifesto that advocates for a better, enlightened ways of settling ethical issues. Additionally, the theory can act as an analytic doctrine that aims at making explicit the sound moral canons of thinking followed by a good moral reflection.Is it possible to identify the actions that may lead to a great amount of happiness to many people without referring to future knowledge? According to Mill, it is a fact that individuals who are equally capable and acquainted to appreciate and enjoy, give the expectation of happiness in their manner of existence.

A few people would consent on changing into any of bad behaviors for the fullest pleasures allowance. Thus, no intelligent person may choose to be a fool in order to attain happiness. People with higher faculties tend to need more to be happy and are capable of having more suffering compared to inferior people (Rachels & Rachels (2012). Therefore, some actions can determine the amount of happiness without referring to the future knowledge as Mill suggests.Utilitarianism suggests that an event or act is right and good when it is beneficial to many people.

Hence, a righteous act will fully maximize the greatest utility (Soifer, 2009). Therefore, the case of enslavement of a small group for the happiness of a larger group will be considered as moral. According to James Mill, the ruled, along with the rulers are the perfect example of factions. The level of happiness is majorly divided between the poor and the rich; thus one is left sacrificing their happiness for others. There is no consideration on how the weak people become subjects to the higher ranked people.

There is suspicion of the people who are likely to get hurt and those able to harm others. When the factions result to the common interest and sympathetic association bonds, the control of knowledge help the strong people to persist. Therefore, Mill points out that the control of knowledge facilitates the governing of mankind by their fears along with the constancy degree (Rachels & Rachels (2012). Hence, this leads to poor political governance.Utilitarianism theory results to the conclusion that it is an unsatisfactory ethical theory, as Soifer (2009) suggests.

First, knowing the future consequences makes people determine what happiness means. The problem is when individuals tend to ascertain the actions to take for the benefit of the greatest number. Secondly, the justification of slavery issues also contributes to the uncertainty of the theory. Even though the majority can benefit from the slavery act, it is not necessarily ethical. Therefore, the utilitarianism theory is evidently unethical.ReferencesRachels, J, & Rachels, S., (2012). "esp. Chapters 7&8, The Utilitarian Approach & TheDebate of Utilitarianism".

The Elements of Moral Philosophy. McGraw-Hill Higher EducationSoifer, E., (2009). Ethical Issues: Perspectives for Canadians. Broadview Press