Utilitarianism is a moral theory that opposes actions that cause harm and advocates for deeds that foster contentment. It aims to make a society a better place for people regarding their economic, social, and political decisions. In the article, John Stuart Mill describes happiness as a criterion for establishing what is moral and what is not (9). He further states that happiness is the only source of well-being (Mill 9). Additionally, Mill defined it as the absence of agony and the presence of pleasure from riches (9). Accordingly, avoidance of negative thoughts and focusing on positive things contribute to self-contentment.
There are distinct varieties of pleasures, as described by Mill; a person experiences gladness through different activities. As argued in the text, utilitarianism coincides with natural sentiments that originate from the social nature of humans (Mill 8). People will internalize ethical standards as morally binding if they embrace keeping others happy. Pleasure is everyone’s desire and is provided by the basis of morality. He states, “happiness has made out its title as one of the ends of conduct, and consequently one of the criteria of morality” (Mill 8). Mill further supports his claim by explaining that the justice sentiment is based on utility and that the existence of rights is due to human happiness (8). Thus, a person who lacks morals cannot promote good actions in society.
The utilitarian doctrine maintains that happiness is the only virtue to be desired disinterestedly. The ingredients of gladness include various desirable virtues that are not merely considered aggregate swelling. The freedom from pain involving health issues and other related things is regarded as a source of one’s gladness. An ideal ethical community is supposed to keep everyone free from discomfort. There would be morals, and people would be happy and contented since there would be less evilness.
Work Cited
Mill, John Stuart. Utilitarianism (1863). Utilitarianism, Liberty, Representative Government, 1859, pp. 7-9.