The Theory of Mill's Utilitarianism - Essay Example

There were three theories which were being discusses in previously. Those theories were; Mill’s Utilitarianism, Kant’s Deontology, Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics or Care Ethics. These theorists are considered as Ethical Theorists who come under two main camps; deontologists and consequentialists. Mill’s Utilitarianism discusses utilitarianism as moral theory, misconceptions about it and claims that happiness is the foundation of justice. Kant is considered as a deontologist and Kant’s Deontology explains that people are obliged to give reasons for their actions while Aristotle’s Virtue Ethics or Care Ethics portrays the role of character in moral philosophy rather than making it consequential regarding the connection between actions and their consequences. He declares that we do aim at happiness rather than saying that we should aim at happiness. He put emphasis on the significance of virtue. Among these three theories, I have chosen Mill’s Utilitarianism to explain what responsibilities I would assign to a clone of myself and they will be similar to me as I am now or not. Mill has a simple conception of happiness and that is ‘the absence of pain’. Pleasure differs in quality and quantity. Some pleasures are taken as higher ones while some are considered as lower ones relying on their demand and significance in our lives. Moral values or utilitarianism basically leads to happiness and pleasure that is why people go for morality because happiness and contentment is the only sole desire and need of every human being. Human rights are meant to provide happiness to the people that is why justice is also considered as a great source of happiness. Theory of utilitarianism has been criticized by many critics but Mill has justified each and every critique being presented by the critics. If I try to assign some ethical responsibilities to a clone of myself, I can’t because even now I am always concerned about the ethical values and significance of good character. I would assign the same ethical responsibilities as I am having now. For me, ethic is the one of different values or virtues which differs humans from animals. Animals doesn’t possess any ethical or moral understanding and they are not being educated about such values but being a social animal, humans should never give up or deny the importance or significance of moral values or utilitarianism. A successful man is always considered as the one who has knowledge of ethics and never indulge in an unethical activity. Ethics provide answers to such questions as; how should I lead my life? What is considered as a perfect life? And what are the ideal family and social values? When I think of leading an ethical life, I would take life as Mill has taken it in terms of happiness and its relation to our virtue and justice. My happiness will obviously be the absence of pain and grief in my life. I will feel glad and happy if I will not feel melancholic or dejected. Mill has stated justice as a source of happiness. This also seem to be very much factual and close to reality because if I will never face injustice and if my rights will remain protected then I am not going to feel anxiety and frustration which will in turn lead to the immense happiness and contentment. Those places where justice is not found, are termed as forests where nobody possesses ethical responsibility. Ethical responsibility can be taken in to two ways; social ethical responsibility personal ethical responsibility, business ethical responsibility and environment ethical responsibility. Social ethical responsibility is related to society and its norms while personal ethical responsibility is related to the responsibility to one’s own self and to his/her family and friends who come in the informal circle. Ethical responsibility in relation to business is related to the honesty in the business relations and ethical responsibility towards the environment refers to the contribution in making the environment clean as it’s a public duty too. If I think about the ethical responsibilities being imposed on me due to internal and external motivation then I will try to make my life full of virtuous and moral deeds. I will not stay concerned about the materialistic ways rather than will try to focus on the spiritual ways to gain satisfaction of soul and heart. I would make myself harmless for people around me and will try to stay as helpful as I can so that people may always remember me in good words. It is said that if you are protecting the basic human rights or people around you then it means that God will protect your rights and you will not have to feel worried about that. Thus it can be said that if people will not feel endangered or sad by your presence in their society then in turn you will also feel the same. If you will provide happiness, pleasure and justice to others then you will be paid back in the same coins. It can be said that Mill’s philosophy of moral values or utilitarianism proves to be realistic and factual when he claims justice as a source of happiness. Being an inhabitant of this universe, every person should complete some ethical responsibilities which are due or their part and avoiding those ethics will lead to an unethical moral life. Same as the other ethical human beings, I also want to live an ethical life so that people may always remember me in their prayers. By doing good to others, I will not only receive the good wishes of people around me but will also gain a high rank in the eyes of God. By helping and guiding others, I will indirectly pave path towards my own ease and success in the difficulties which I am going to face in my life as; ‘God helps those who help themselves’ If I will have a strong moral character then I will not only gain peace, calmness, satisfaction of my heart and soul but will also achieve and acquire and high moral status which will be eternal. Ethical responsibility always grow because of internal and external motivation and both of these motivations lead to a successful ethical and moral life which is also termed as utilitarianism by Mill. He portrays that morality comes only when you think good, do good and feel good for others and for our own selves. The notion of goodness is always related to the ethical values which in turn provide happiness, satisfaction and contentment to the souls and hearts of us. Thus it can be said that in my context or opinion, among those three theories (mentioned above) provided by the ethical theorists, John Stuart Mill’s theory was more close to reality. I have jolted up my mind in relation to the theory being described by Mill and my own personal view of being ethical or possessing ethical values. I have inter connected mine and Mill’s point of view by connecting theory with practicality. Mill has elaborated the notion and concept of utilitarianism, moral values, moral philosophy, justice, happiness and how these things and virtues are inter connected to each other. In reference to Mill’s theory of Utilitarianism, I have explained what kind of attributes or moral traits or ethical responsibilities I would assign to a clone of myself. I am still an ethical person but as learning never ends thus this also goes for ethical learning too. I will keep on learning and adding to my ethical responsibilities because I just don’t want to make myself a ‘human being’ who is different from animals by creation and due to Creator rather I want to prove myself as a ‘good and ethical human being’ who not only differs from animals in physical terms but also in terms of wisdom, ethics, moral values and above all Utilitarianism. References   Athanassoulis, Nafsika. Virtue Ethics. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. N. p., 2014. Web. 7 Aug. 2014. Sparknotes.com,. Sparknotes: Utilitarianism: Summary. N. p., 2014. Web. 7 Aug. 2014. Read More