Single Idea 7214

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 1. Utilitarianism]

Full Idea

I regard utility as the ultimate appeal on all ethical questions; but it must be utility in the largest sense, grounded on the permanent interests of a man as a progressive being.

Gist of Idea

Ethics rests on utility, which is the permanent progressive interests of people

Source

John Stuart Mill (On Liberty [1857], Ch.1)

Book Reference

Mill,John Stuart: 'Utilitarianism (including On Liberty etc)', ed/tr. Warnock,Mary [Fontana 1962], p.136


A Reaction

Mill, writing in praise of personal liberty, is desperate to introduce a paternalistic element into his politics, and the 'maximisation of happiness' will justify such paternalism, while his basic liberal principle (Idea 7211) won't. Mill's Dilemma.

Related Idea

Idea 7211 Prevention of harm to others is the only justification for exercising power over people [Mill]