Question

John Stuart Mill: Ethics

picture of MillThe ethical theory of John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) is most extensively articulated in his classical text Utilitarianism (1861). Its goal is to justify the utilitarian principle as the foundation of morals. This principle says actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote overall human happiness. So, Mill focuses on consequences of actions and not on rights nor ethical sentiments.

This article primarily examines the central ideas of his text Utilitarianism, but the article’s last two sections are devoted to Mill’s views on the freedom of the will and the justification of punishment, which are found in System of Logic (1843) and Examination of Sir William Hamilton’s Philosophy (1865), respectively.

Educated by his father James Mill who was a close friend to Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill came in contact with utilitarian thought at a very early stage of his life. In his Autobiography he claims to have introduced the word "utilitarian" into the English language when he was sixteen. Mill remained a utilitarian throughout his life. Beginning in the 1830s he became increasingly critical of what he calls Bentham’s "theory of human nature". The two articles "Remarks on Bentham’s Philosophy" (1833) and "Bentham" (1838) are his first important contributions to the development of utilitarian thought. Mill rejects Bentham’s view that humans are unrelentingly driven by narrow self-interest. He believed that a "desire of perfection" and sympathy for fellow human beings belong to human nature. One of the central tenets of Mill’s political outlook is that, not only the rules of society, but also people themselves are capable of improvement.

What is reason #1, the problem with freedom according to Mill?

Answer 1

John Stuart Mill's utilitarianism identifies actions as right if they promote overall happiness, but acknowledges the challenge of balancing individual freedom with societal good. His harm principle guides this balance, allowing freedom unless it causes harm to others.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ethical theory of John Stuart Mill, known as utilitarianism, emphasizes the outcomes of actions, suggesting that actions that promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number are considered morally right. One issue with freedom according to Mill is the potential conflict between individual rights and the overall happiness of society. His harm principle is meant to maximize freedom by allowing any action unless it harms others, a principle that supports his advocacy for positions like freedom of speech.