Mill's Utilitarianism: Individualism, Liberty & Ethics

Individualism Explained

Individualism starts from the idea that the basic unit of society is the individual person, not the group. Therefore, it prioritizes individual interests.

Politics

Governments represent individuals and protect their rights and interests.

Ethics

Morality is determined by individual rights in relation to the common good.

Religion

Individuals are responsible for their own religious experiences.

Economics

Emphasizes private property and free trade.

John Stuart Mill (1806-1873)

Major Works

• On Liberty
• Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism and Human Dignity

Mill based his utilitarianism on human dignity.

Elements of Happiness

Two elements Mill considered necessary for achieving happiness:

• Self-Development: The ability to learn, mature, and change as necessary.
• Individuality: The capacity to cope with social pressure and think independently.

Happiness is based on diversity. Importantly, utilitarianism is distinct from egoism.

Distinction: Happiness vs. Contentment

Achieving happiness implies respect for dignity itself. Mill made a basic distinction:

1. Happiness: Involves solidarity and enjoying the well-being of others; one cannot be truly happy at the expense of others. This relates to higher pleasures.
2. Contentment: Mere pleasure or satisfaction, being a 'good person' superficially; often associated with lower pleasures and typical of those who have not yet achieved personal autonomy.

Utilitarianism and Liberalism

Liberalism provides a general framework often associated with utilitarianism.

Mill was not strictly a classical liberal; he supported social measures to overcome the antithesis between individual liberty and social control.

Approaches to State Intervention

According to political philosophy at the time, there were two major approaches to state organization:

• Minimal State: The state intervenes as little as possible.
• Interventionist State: The state intervenes significantly to promote welfare or other goals.

Mill was not purely individualistic. His utilitarianism argued that laws and social standards should ensure that the interests and happiness of individuals harmonize with the interests of society. This requires guaranteeing rights based on their contribution to general utility (the greatest good).

Utilitarian Ethics

This ethical perspective attempts to overcome the defects of pure individualism.

Core Idea

The morality of human actions is determined by their relationship with overall welfare or happiness.

Key Principles

1. Principle of Utility (Happiness): An action is morally right insofar as it tends to promote happiness, and wrong as it tends to produce the reverse of happiness.
2. Principle of General Welfare (Greatest Happiness Principle): The consequences of actions should contribute to the happiness of the greatest number of people.