Utilitarianism

UTILITARIANISM by JOHN STUART MILL is one of the most influential works of moral philosophy, presenting the principle that the best action is the one that promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Written as a defense and refinement of Jeremy Bentham’s utilitarian doctrine, Mill’s essay explores the foundations of morality, the role of pleasure and pain, and the balance between individual rights and the collective good. With clarity and conviction, Mill addresses common objections, distinguishing higher and lower pleasures, and insisting that true happiness arises from intellectual, moral, and social development rather than mere physical satisfaction. Both practical and philosophical, the work remains essential for readers interested in ethics, political theory, and social justice. More than a historical text, Utilitarianism continues to inspire debate on how best to measure human well-being and guide moral decision-making in personal, social, and political life.