68th out of 249 books
—
208 voters
Utilitarianism
Mill's Utilitarianism is one of the most important, controversial, and suggestive works of moral philosophy ever written. Mill defends the view that all human action should produce the greatest happiness overall, and that happiness itself is to be understood as consisting in "higher" and "lower" pleasures. This volume uses the 1871 edition of the text,
...morePaperback, 71 pages
Published
June 1st 2002
by Hackett Publishing Company
(first published 1861)
There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!
sign in »
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Community Reviews
(showing
1-30
of
3,428)
Here, Mill offers a thorough description and defense of his moral theory, proposing the greatest happiness ("utilitarian") principle as the unique first principle underlying all moral conduct. "The 'greatest happiness principle' holds that actions are right in proportion as they promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness," he argues. Happiness, Mill defines as "pleasure itself, together with exemption from pain." While this definition ...more
view 2 comments
Maureen
rated it
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Maureen by:
Dr. John Granrose
Shelves:
philosophy
The greatest proponent of utilitarianism in modern memory is Dr. Spock of Star Trek fame. The fact that an essay written in the 1860s is still having an impact on contemporary culture speaks to the longevity of J.S. Mill's idea. It has fueled countless debates among students in philosophy classes, and in the general public. The Greatest Happiness Principle is certainly worthy of consideration, and Mill's treatise has probably figured into many people's calculations when weighing momentous lif...more
Erik Graff
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
ethicists
Recommended to Erik by:
David Ozar
Shelves:
philosophy
During my first semester at Loyola University Chicago I enrolled in David Ozar's Ethics Survey course. Treated in that class was Natural Law Ethics, Deontology and Utilitarianism. Having never taken an ethics course before, I found the class and its readings quite interesting. I also found one of the presumptions apparently held by all the ethicists we read objectionable.
What I found questionable was as regards the matter of agency. Previous study of cultural anthropology, psycho...more
What I found questionable was as regards the matter of agency. Previous study of cultural anthropology, psycho...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Unfortunately, I find the wordiness and superfluousness (as is characteristic of classic texts) of the essay a headache, because otherwise the ideas and structure are excellent. Mill presents interesting arguments and ideas, and questions, such as:
- The medical art is proved to be good by its conducing to health; but how is it possible to prove that health is good? The art of music is good, for the reason, among others, that is produces pleasure; but what proof is it possible to give that ...more
- The medical art is proved to be good by its conducing to health; but how is it possible to prove that health is good? The art of music is good, for the reason, among others, that is produces pleasure; but what proof is it possible to give that ...more
Having watched most of the video series of Michael Sandel’s wonderful course Justice (which I almost certainly will enroll in sometime over the next four years), I approached this text fairly familiar with utilitarian ethics. Going in, I knew that I considered utilitarianism both intuitively and, to a certain extent, syllogistically appealing – at least as a general framework. I could probably have drawn up a list of a number of major imperfections and flaws in the fundamental principles of util...more
There are lots of interesting ideas and hypotheticals in this work, (such as if we value the protection of the government as equal for each citizen, should not each citizen pay the same for that protection? Essentially, a flat tax. Not that I support a flat tax because of its other economic and social implications, but it is an interesting philosophical point), however, as an introduction to Utilitarianism, it is somewhat lacking. After reading it, I still don't have a complete grasp on the basi...more
This book is short but very challenging. I would suggest reading it over and over again until you have the "Eureka!" moment that will be life changing. It took me 7 reads to feel like I really got the gist of what John Stuart Mills was trying to express on ethics and happiness. In the end, I didn't agree with everything he thought but it touched me and I still think about it years later. Now that's what I call a successful book!
What explains why it is that some things are judged right and others judged wrong? If I vacuum my apartment by day, my roommate is satisfied and my actions are right; but if I do the same in the twilight hours of the night, he reproaches me and accuses me of doing wrong. If I mock my friend for one of their silly eccentricities, and I do it in the spirit of humor, my conduct is usually considered welcome and appropriate; but if I do the same such that it touches on a point of sensitivity for the...more
How do you review a basic text of every undergraduate ethics course*? You have to read this one, kids. You don’t have to like it, but you have to read it. I like Mill, even if I don’t like utilitarianism. His writing is extremely clean for a philosopher and he was way ahead of the curve on individual rights, something I am a big fan of.
Utilitarianism was real popular amongst my hyper practical fellow Brooklyn College philosophy students. Anything that could be seen as a calculation d...more
Utilitarianism was real popular amongst my hyper practical fellow Brooklyn College philosophy students. Anything that could be seen as a calculation d...more
An interesting philosophy, and one of the most important informers of today's morality. It's surprising how much we refer to the ideas in the book, without even thinking about it. So many parts of public policy are grounded in it, from social welfare to cost-benefit analysis. It was really great to read the book and get more of an understanding about where we are today and where we came from.
Well, what can I say? "Utilitarianism" is a seminal work in ethical philosophy, and rightly so. It is fascinating to see how a philosopher tries to take the "empirical" direction in identifying a general moral principle, even though it is debatable whether he succeeds. Read this with a good summary or comment, or just make sure that you pay close attention to the details.
Mill writes an incredibly readable inquiry into an axiological , consequentialist theory of normative ethics known as Utilitarianism. To sum up his work, one could say that, of the actions available, one ought to do that act which maximizes overall net flourishing or well-being for everyone affected.
Assuming we can give an adequate theory of moral goodness or value, the intuition that moral rightness consists in maximizing moral goodness seems plausible. The assumption that overall m...more
Assuming we can give an adequate theory of moral goodness or value, the intuition that moral rightness consists in maximizing moral goodness seems plausible. The assumption that overall m...more
Utilitarianism is a short but dense text to get through. Unlike a lot of philosophical works, this one is incredibly readable. I was looking for a good jumping off point for an interesting debate on actions and morality and this is it. I'm not sure that I agree with Mill and utilitarian thought as a whole, but he makes a compelling argument for it here and I put the book down with plenty to think about and meditate on, so as a philosophical text, I believe Mill achieved his goal.
Reading on Kindle.
Interesting to read this at the same time as The Help and Never Let Me Go. The concepts of justice and expediency come into play in both books. My favorite quote from Utilitarianism- "All persons are deemed to have a right to equality of treatment, except when some recognised social expediency requires the reverse. And hence all social inequalities which have ceased to be considered expedient, assume the character not of simple inexpediency, but of injustice, and app...more
Interesting to read this at the same time as The Help and Never Let Me Go. The concepts of justice and expediency come into play in both books. My favorite quote from Utilitarianism- "All persons are deemed to have a right to equality of treatment, except when some recognised social expediency requires the reverse. And hence all social inequalities which have ceased to be considered expedient, assume the character not of simple inexpediency, but of injustice, and app...more
Okay, I'm not sure what to say about this. It's like milk; it's good for you, but can leave you bloated and gassy and the cover is totally uninspiring. Most of the writing is equally uninspiring. I recommend 2 minutes of Utilitarianism followed by 20 minutes of Googling gossipy facts about Mill.
John Stuart Mill expands upon the philosophical theory of Utilitarianism, which basically says you should do the most benefit for the most people. The problem with this school of thought is you look at the positives of the outcome rather than the morality of the actions. An idea nicely put that is just flawed from the start.
I do not agree with Mill's arguments or ideas entirely, but I have to say this book was rather well written and organized. Mill does well to make his points in an organized and relatively clear manner, at least considering that this was intended for an audience familiar with the issues (and not the general public). I strongly believe it is always best to understand philosopher, or really anyone, from by their own words and works, not the derivative summations or explanations (when possible); thi...more
Who knew Political Philosophy could actually be interesting?
Mill has an easy way of explaining things, and an understandable writing style. I think the theory as a whole makes sense and he explains it very clearly.
Mill has an easy way of explaining things, and an understandable writing style. I think the theory as a whole makes sense and he explains it very clearly.
I tried to read this book, however the language structure hurt my head. It just went on and on in one long sentence which spanned pages and pages, moving from topic to topic. Quite hypnotic.</picard>
May have another read later. I have this problem with a lot of books written a good while before I was born, the content may be quite good.
May have another read later. I have this problem with a lot of books written a good while before I was born, the content may be quite good.
Mill's argument lacks a firm basis and his theory of utility is incredibly weak. It is impracticable, biased towards the preferences of the upper class, and lacks any absolute right and wrong
Another classic philosophy book -- and one that resonates with my personal philosophy. Make moral decisions in a way that (positively) maximizes utility/outcome.
Tough to read, but very interesting insights on life, government, economics, religion, education, what is 'good', etc etc
John Stuart Mill was way ahead of his time and was changed ethics forever. Utilitarianism is a short but life changing read.
Mill est intelligent, a beaucoup d'humour. On ne perd pas son temps en le lisant.
this was a difficult read for me. guess i'm a little out of practice.
Mill presents his 'greatest happiness of the greatest number' Moral theory.
Mill's argument is well-composed, but like most post-enlightenment philosophy, the view of the capabilities of most men is too optimistic.
The push for the greatest happiness for everyone can curb the pursuit of truly great things.
The push for the greatest happiness for everyone can curb the pursuit of truly great things.
Love John Stuart Mill... difficult to read at times.
More enjoyable to read than Kant.
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utilitarianism | 3 | 12 | Dec 29, 2009 01:47pm |
John Stuart Mill, British philosopher, political economist, civil servant and Member of Parliament, was an influential liberal thinker of the 19th century. He was an exponent of utilitarianism, an ethical theory developed by Jeremy Bentham, although his conception of it was very different from Bentham's.
More about John Stuart Mill...
Share This Book
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“The art of music is good, for the reason, among others, that it produces pleasure; but what proof is it possible to give that pleasure is good? If, then, it is asserted that there is a comprehensive formula, including all things which are in themselves good, and that whatever else is good, is not so as an end, but as a mean, the formula may be accepted or rejected, but is not a subject of what is commonly understood by proof.”
—
5 people liked it
“All social inequalities which have ceased to be considered expedient, assume the character not of simple inexpediency, but of injustice, and appear so tyrannical, that people are apt to wonder how they ever could have. been tolerated; forgetful that they themselves perhaps tolerate other inequalities under an equally mistaken notion of expediency, the correction of which would make that which they approve seem quite as monstrous as what they have at last learnt to condemn.”
—
1 person liked it
More quotes…
