Utilitarianism

First published in book form in 1863, Utilitarianism presents John Stuart Mill’s influential account of morality, arguing that actions should be judged by their tendency to promote happiness and reduce suffering. Developing a tradition associated with Jeremy Bentham, Mill refines the principle of utility by distinguishing different qualities of pleasure and considering the broader consequences of human conduct. He also addresses objections concerning justice, moral obligation and the apparent tension between individual interests and the general good.

The essay remains a central text in modern moral philosophy, offering a lucid introduction to one of ethics’ most enduring and contested approaches. Mill’s argument is practical rather than merely abstract: it asks how moral principles might guide decisions in personal life and public affairs. Its continuing relevance lies in the questions it raises about welfare, responsibility and what it means to live well together.