Utilitarianism

Chapter 1: General Remarks
Mill is going to describe the Utilitarian/Happiness Theory. It is hard to instill proof...I think that is what he is saying.

Chapter 2: What Utilitarianism Is
The general conception of happiness is that whatever generates happiness is good and whatever does not is bad. These are merely the only two ends. Promote pleasure and prevent pain.

Some believe that there is no higher end than pleasure.

This does not mean that we are trying to attain the same end as swine, but that there are different pleasures that we are attracted to. We should measure pleasure in both quantity and quality. We determine what is of better quality by comparison.

No human would want to be a bad person in any respect. However, it is easier for a lower person or an unintelligent person to become happy and attain the pleasure they need if that person's threshold is very low. A higher minded individual may feel unsatisfied. However, it is better to be unsatisfied and at a higher level.

Utilitarianism follows closely to the approach of the teaching of Jesus that one should love their neighbor as they would themself. This leads to the thinking that the interest of happiness should be placed nearest in harmony to the interest of the whole. Also, education and opinion (power) should be used for universal happiness regardless of the individual.

Utilitarianism = the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Mill criticizes the "duty" theory here in that people do moral actions not only pout of duty, but out of other moral actions such as self interest. One's self-interests are legitimate as long as they do not hinder the overall purpose of greater happiness to others or themselves.

Human experience has taught us the rules and principles of morality. Happiness is the end and aim or morality. There is no clear answer however.

Chapter 4: Of What Sort of Proof the Principle of Utility is Susceptible (Where was 3?)
The first attempt at proof is that happiness is the only end and everything else is only a means to that end.

It is a fact that people want to be happy and that happiness is a good thing. Therefore, happiness is at least an end. Virtue is another part of happiness, an ingredient. It is not a means to happiness, but can be a part of one's happiness.

Happiness is the sum of its parts. Wealth and health may be part of the end of happiness. However, what is desired isn't really wealth or health, but happiness and these are merely parts or means to it.

If one agrees that humans desire happiness, then they must realize that is proof in itself to the principle of utilitarianism.

Chapter 5: On the Connexion Between Justice and Utility
We would like to compel people to do moral things, but we cannot punish them for not acting morally unless they break a specific law.

Injustice is defined as a wrong doing in action and someone that the wrong doing is done upon (victim). It implies that a moral right is taken from us from either a right or wrong doing.

A person's right is defined as something that society ought to defend that person in possession of it. This is related to the general utility (greater good).