Utilitarianism – Chapter 1: General Remarks

by John Stuart Mill There are few circumstances among those which make up the present condition of human knowledge, more unlike what might have been expected, or more significant of the backward state in which speculation on the most important subjects still lingers, than the little progress which has been made in the decision

Utilitarianism – Chapter 2: What Utilitarianism Is

by John Stuart Mill A passing remark is all that needs be given to the ignorant blunder of supposing that those who stand up for utility as the test of right and wrong, use the term in that restricted and merely colloquial sense in which utility is opposed to pleasure. An apology is due

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Utilitarianism – Chapter 3: Of the Ultimate Sanction of the Principle of Utility

by John Stuart Mill The question is often asked, and properly so, in regard to any supposed moral standard — What is its sanction? what are the motives to obey it? or more specifically, what is the source of its obligation? whence does it derive its binding force? It is a necessary part of

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Utilitarianism – Chapter 4: Of What Sort of Proof the Principle of Utility is Susceptible

by John Stuart Mill It has already been remarked, that questions of ultimate ends do not admit of proof, in the ordinary acceptation of the term. To be incapable of proof by reasoning is common to all first principles; to the first premises of our knowledge, as well as to those of our conduct.

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Utilitarianism – Chapter 5: The Connection Between Justice and Utility

by John Stuart Mill In all ages of speculation, one of the strongest obstacles to the reception of the doctrine that Utility or Happiness is the criterion of right and wrong, has been drawn from the idea of justice. The powerful sentiment, and apparently clear perception, which that word recalls with a rapidity and

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