Question

John Stuart Mill, in his Utilitarianism, proposes the conception of Utility or Happiness as the directive rule of human conduct. Which of the following are drawn from his conception of Happiness to form the utilitarian standard?

• A. Happiness of all concerned is overriding.
• B. The agent acts as a disinterested spectator.
• C. The agent’s own happiness is paramount.
• D. Impartiality cannot be maintained in action.

Hint:

Utilitarianism evaluates actions from an impartial standpoint, giving equal consideration to everyone’s happiness.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, B

Step 1: Understanding Mill’s utilitarian standard.
John Stuart Mill argues that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, and wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. The focus is on overall happiness, not individual self-interest.
Step 2: Evaluating option (A).
Utilitarianism clearly prioritizes the happiness of all affected parties rather than privileging any one individual. Hence, the happiness of all concerned is overriding.
Step 3: Evaluating option (B).
Mill emphasizes impartiality, requiring the moral agent to consider pleasures and pains as a disinterested and impartial spectator. This aligns with utilitarian reasoning.
Step 4: Eliminating incorrect options.
Option (C) reflects ethical egoism, which Mill explicitly rejects.
Option (D) is incorrect because impartiality is central to the utilitarian standard.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct principles drawn from Mill’s conception of happiness are (A) and (B).
Final Answer: (A) and (B)