Utilitarianism Summary & Key Insights

John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism, not co-authored with George Sher, is not a novel with a plot and characters in the traditional sense. Instead, it's a philosophical essay arguing for the ethical theory of utilitarianism. The "characters" are philosophical concepts and opposing viewpoints.

The central argument revolves around the principle of utility: actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. Mill clarifies "happiness" as pleasure and the absence of pain, not merely fleeting sensations but a more comprehensive concept including intellectual and moral pleasures, which he argues are superior to purely sensual ones. He differentiates between higher and lower pleasures, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity in experiencing happiness. A cultivated mind, capable of appreciating intellectual and moral pursuits, will find greater happiness than one limited to sensual gratification. This is a crucial point in his defense of utilitarianism against criticisms that it promotes base hedonism.

Mill tackles several objections to utilitarianism throughout the essay. He addresses the concern that judging the morality of actions based solely on consequences is impractical and requires impossible foresight. He counters this by advocating for "rules of thumb" – generally reliable guidelines derived from past experience – which, while not perfect, significantly simplify ethical decision-making in everyday life. He also addresses criticisms that utilitarianism is selfish, arguing that it promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number, not just individual self-interest. Altruism, he suggests, is also a source of happiness, making it consistent with the utilitarian principle.

Another key theme is the concept of justice. Mill argues that justice, despite often seeming separate from utility, is ultimately derived from it. Actions considered just are usually those that promote overall happiness by safeguarding individuals' rights and expectations. Violating these rights inflicts harm and diminishes overall happiness, making injustice contrary to the utilitarian principle. He further distinguishes between perfect and imperfect obligations, arguing that perfect obligations (like keeping promises) are generally more important due to their direct impact on others' well-being.

In essence, Mill's Utilitarianism doesn't present a narrative, but a systematic and nuanced defense of a specific ethical framework. His work engages directly with opposing arguments, clarifying ambiguities, and refining the utilitarian principle to make it a compelling and practical guide for ethical decision-making. The overarching theme is the pursuit of a rational and humane ethical system founded on the principle of maximizing happiness for all.