Utilitarianism

"Utilitarianism" by John Stuart Mill is a philosophical treatise written in the late 19th century, specifically aimed at exploring the ethical theory known as utilitarianism. The book discusses the foundation of morality and the criterion of right and wrong, emphasizing the principle that actions are right in proportion to their ability to promote happiness and wrong if they produce the opposite. Mill engages with various philosophical schools and highlights the importance of happiness in moral considerations. The opening of "Utilitarianism" presents Mill's reflections on the lack of consensus regarding moral principles throughout the history of philosophical thought. He notes how the debate over the essence of morality has persisted since ancient times, handing down the responsibility of defining it to successive thinkers. Mill sets the stage for a discussion on utilitarianism as he critiques the ongoing moral confusion and introduces the need for a clearer understanding of happiness as the ultimate goal in ethical conduct. This exploration suggests a desire not only to clarify what utilitarianism entails but also to defend its validity against prevalent moral skepticism.