An Examination of Utilitarianism Term Paper by Nicky

This paper focuses on the concept of utilitarianism, or the idea that the moral worth of an action is determined solely by its utility in providing happiness or pleasure. The paper discusses John Stuart Mill's contributions to the philosophy, and cautions that his ideas could be perverted if they are taken out of context. By way of comparison, the paper notes that quotations from the Holy Bible are often taken out of context to justify modern day homophobia, or even slavery. Hence, the paper cautions that a close examination of utilitarianism is preferable to broad generalizations or passages lifted out of context. The paper concludes that if Mill's entire thesis is that happiness is the goal for all individuals, who then is to say that a simpleton homeless man eating three square meals a day in a shelter and sleeping in a warm bed is not the happiest person in the city, or even the world?

Outline:
Introduction
What is the nature of ethical action, according to Mill?
Rebuttal to Mill's assertions in the previous paragraph
Mill states that the person of "higher faculties" needs more to make him happy and is "capable probably of more acute suffering
Mill expands his explanation that the limits of happiness are based on the level (high or low) of one's faculties with the pig vs. human equation
Rebuttal to Mill's assertions in the previous paragraph
Work Cited