Utilitarianism and John Stuart Mill

Introduction to Utilitarianism

  • Hosts of Philosophy Bites: David Edmunds and Nigel Warburton.
  • Focus: John Stuart Mill, a prominent philosopher and social reformer in 19th century Britain, and his work on utilitarianism.
  • Utilitarianism: A philosophical theory emphasizing actions that maximize well-being or utility, usually equated with happiness.

Key Components of Utilitarianism

  • Definition:
    • Utilitarianism is NOT about being useful in a general sense, but about moral theory concerning actions.
  • Components:
    1. Theory of Utility: Defines what constitutes well-being or happiness.
    2. Principle of Action: Focuses on maximizing utility (happiness) through one's actions, often summarized as "maximizing happiness."

Historical Background

  • Jeremy Bentham:
    • Developed a clear, hedonistic view of happiness:
    • Pleasure is the only aspect of happiness, while pain defines unhappiness.
    • The best life balances pleasure over pain (pleasure-pain calculus).
  • Bentham's Calculus:
    • A method to quantify pleasures and pains for rational decision-making.
    • Aimed at creating a mathematical approach to ethical decision-making.

John Stuart Mill’s Contribution

  • Background:
    • A pupil of Bentham, raised under extreme educational measures by his father, James Mill.
    • Encountered a nervous breakdown from strict adherence to utilitarianism, later finding inspiration in literature (specifically Wordsworth).
  • Reform of Hedonism:
    • Mill sought to expand Bentham's idea on pleasure.
    • He introduced the distinction between higher and lower pleasures:
    • Higher Pleasures: Intellectual pursuits (e.g., philosophy).
    • Lower Pleasures: Basic, physical sensations (e.g., drinking, eating).
  • Sad Socrates vs. Happy Pig:
    • Mill argues that a dissatisfied Socrates is in a better state than a content pig, emphasizing the value of intellectual engagement over basic satisfaction.

Higher vs. Lower Pleasures

  • Mill's assertion:
    • Some pleasures carry more intrinsic value; hence, a finite amount of higher pleasure can outweigh an infinite amount of lower pleasure.
  • Examples:
    • The intellectual satisfaction gained from philosophy may outweigh physical pleasures enjoyed by a pig.
  • Context:
    • Living a balanced life involves a spectrum of pleasures rather than isolated comparisons.

Criticism of Mill’s Utilitarianism

  • Historical Reactions:
    • Critiques began upon publication in 1861 and were pervasive in British philosophical discourse.
  • Main Lines of Criticism:
    1. Hedonism:
    • Labeled as "the philosophy of swine" by critics, reducing moral complexity to simple pleasure maximization.
    1. Maximizing Utility:
    • The implications of required actions (e.g., harming individuals for greater societal benefit) have raised ethical concerns.
    • Thought experiments challenge the moral basis of utilitarianism (e.g., torturing a child for information).
  • Utilitarian Response:
    • Most utilitarians argue that common-sense rules should govern action, promoting the greatest good without resorting to extreme actions like torture.

Balancing Interests

  • Partiality vs. Impartiality:
    • Acknowledgment that individuals tend to prioritize their own interests, which must be balanced against the impartial obligation to maximize overall utility.
  • Mill's Approach: While advocating for the general well-being, Mill’s perspective may overlook personal stakes in ethical considerations.

Continued Relevance of Utilitarianism

  • Critics:
    • Prominent philosophers (e.g., Bernard Williams) have argued against utilitarianism but have not eradicated its influence.
  • Adaptation and Complexity:
    • Modern utilitarianism evolves to address criticisms, integrating broader contexts and considerations.

Animal Welfare and Utilitarianism

  • Peter Singer:
    • A modern proponent of utilitarianism who emphasizes animal rights and effective altruism.
    • Advocates for minimizing suffering in animals and promotes vegetarianism based on utilitarian calculations.
  • Moral Consideration:
    • Bentham’s principle that the capacity to suffer constitutes moral consideration extends to animal welfare.

Conclusion

  • Legacy:
    • Utilitarianism remains a significant philosophical tradition, influencing ethical discourse and real-world policies.
    • Its adaptability allows it to tackle contemporary issues while grappling with traditional critiques.