Utilitarianism without consequentialism: The case of John Stuart mill
Philosophical Review 117 (2):159-191 (2008)
| Abstract | This essay argues, flouting paradox, that Mill was a utilitarian but not a consequentialist. First, it contends that there is logical space for a view that deserves to be called utilitarian despite its rejection of consequentialism; second, that this logical space is, in fact, occupied by John Stuart Mill. The key to understanding Mill's unorthodox utilitarianism and the role it plays in his moral philosophy is to appreciate his sentimentalist metaethics—especially his account of wrongness in terms of fitting guilt and resentment. Mill recognizes a fundamental moral asymmetry between the agent and others, which conflicts intractably with a presupposition of consequentialism. This allows him to differentiate three potentially conflicting evaluative spheres: morality, prudence, and aesthetics. This essay's account of Mill's utilitarianism coheres with his defense of individual liberty and his embrace of supererogation, both of which elude traditional interpretations. | |||||||||
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Similar books and articlesJohn Stuart Mill (1963). The Six Great Humanistic Essays of John Stuart Mill. New York, Washington Square Press.
Henry R. West (2004). An Introduction to Mill's Utilitarian Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
John Stuart Mill (1961). The Philosophy of John Stuart Mill: Ethical, Political, and Religious. New York, Modern Library.
Daniel Jacobson (2003). J.S. Mill and the Diversity of Utilitarianism. Philosophers' Imprint 3 (2):1-18.
John Stuart Mill (1962). Utilitarianism. Cleveland, World Pub. Co..
John Stuart Mill (2009). Utilitarianism. In Steven M. Cahn (ed.), Exploring Philosophy: An Introductory Anthology. Oxford University Press.
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