Utilitarianism

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the fundamental dictum of Utilitarianism. The paper defines pleasure and happiness, both psychologically and biologically. It then looks at the relevant impact that pleasure and happiness have on our thought processes. The paper focuses on John Stuart Mills' views of pleasure and happiness in his work, "Utilitarainsim."

From the Paper:

"The fundamental dictum of Utilitarianism is the moral, ethical and even divine altruism that human beings are supposedly capable of. Unfortunately a dependence on the virtue of altruism is often revealed as only a thinly disguised motive for personal gain in some form or another. While Blanche DuBois often depended on the kindness of strangers, she often did not make out very well, and most of those strangers that offered assistance usually wanted something in return. While the pleasure principle is certainly an operational force in the destiny of every animal on the planet, human beings included; there is no grasping for higher more noble pleasures, as Mills would have us believe. These are the grand gestures of nobility and politicians running for office, and not the makings of a practical philosophy."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Mills, John Stuart. "Utilitarainsim." Utilitarianism Resources. 2007. 13 Feb 2008 <http://www.utilitarianism.com>.

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