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John Stuart Mill Chapter 4 Analysis

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In chapters 3-4, Mill explores what constitutes the theory of Utilitarianism, which he outlined in the previous two chapters. Mill first explains that for any moral philosophy to be relevant, it must contain built-in consequences for those who do not abide by it, for if it does not, there would be no reason to respect its principle. Mill writes that Utilitarianism, along with other moral philosophies, has extrinsic and intrinsic motivational factors. Extrinsic factors include pressure from peers, and fear of displeasing God. Intrinsic factors, which Mill believes are more influential, are rooted in one’s conscience. Mill argues that the human conscience is a natural development, and since Utilitarianism is strongly based from the conscience, Utilitarianism is thus a natural viewpoint or morality. Mill then goes on to investigate the root of morality, which …show more content…

One would have a hard time trying to argue that happiness is not desirable, and that human desires do not, in fact, stem from happiness. One objection I might have with Mill is the belief that intrinsic motivational factors outweigh extrinsic motivational factors. I think that the fear of displeasing God can, in some situations, outweigh the beliefs of one’s conscience. In this scenario, it could also be argued, however, that if one truly believes that God is pious, than their conscience should reflect the same values that God outlines, thus making this seemingly external motivational factor an internal motivational factor as well. Overall I would agree with Mill’s argument for Utilitarian morality. I think that the desire for happiness, whether virtuous, or driven by less virtuous factors such as greed, is the ultimate goal for everyone. Since this is the case, I think Utilitarianism is an acceptable philosophy, and I look forward to learning about other moral philosophies in upcoming

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