Examples Of Utilitarianism In Fahrenheit 451

The Words Set a Flame: Utilitarianism in Fahrenheit 451

What if you had the power to choose what would happen to society? Would you choose to make decisions based on what is best for yourself or others? In Fahrenheit 451, the latter is chosen. Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 is known as a science fiction novel that portrays a society in which everyone is the same. By banning the use of books, the government can now control what knowledge is available to the public. In the film version of Fahrenheit 451 (1966), the audience is immediately introduced to a future dystopian society in which everyone is the same...well mostly. The values of utilitarianism are seen through the film Fahrenheit 451 through the aim to achieve a perfectly equal society

SInce everyone has activities that they get enjoyment from in their lives, there are discrepancies between people's passions when it comes to individuality. WIth utilitarianism focusing on the greater good, people’s “deeply held projects” that they love and cherish are put on the backburner. Williams writes, “Let us grant to utilitarianism that all worthwhile human projects must conduce, one way or another, to happiness. The point is that even if that is true, it does not follow, nor could it possible be true, that those projects are themselves projects of pursuing happiness.” The commitments people hold give them a sense of purpose and identify, when told that personal achievements and pride are not important, will this really conduce happiness? Montag goes day by day to his fireman job, and the more he reads, the more he realizes his job serves no true purpose or passion for him. Another example of squandering this integrity with utilitarianism, is Clarisse’s unconventional method of teaching. Since she is a school teacher, Clarisse tries to find a way to make learning more fun for the children, as well as teaching them things outside of the curriculum she thinks are important. Since this is not approved, she is fired immediately and the teachers spread awful rumors about her. According to Williams’ logic, the loss of these personal projects and commitments in the town ultimately make citizens lose utility rather than gain it, since these higher pleasures are more important. By letting go of personal identity and belongings, it is possible they will achieve their utopian society. However, there will always be those who know better. Like Montag, they know what it is like to experience emotions lost by others through this