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Which practical issues did John Stuart Mill examine through utilitarian ethics?
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Ethics
Detail of the stela inscribed with the Code of Hammurabi showing the king before the god Shamash, bas-relief from Susa, 18th century bce; in the Louvre, Paris.
John Stuart Mill, a prominent 19th-century philosopher, utilized utilitarianism to address various practical and social issues, arguing that moral rules like justice, honesty, and truthfulness are essential because their adherence tends to increase overall happiness.12
Mill applied his ethical framework to advocate for several progressive causes, including:
- Individual Liberty: In On Liberty, he argued that society or government may only interfere with an individual's freedom to prevent harm to others, rejecting paternalistic laws that infringe upon personal autonomy.23
- Democratic Rights: He championed woman suffrage and freedom of speech, contending that the collision of diverse opinions is vital for a society’s pursuit of truth.23
- Social Reform: Mill supported state-supported education for all and argued against government interference in private behavior that does not harm others.2
By distinguishing between higher and lower qualities of pleasure, Mill sought to refine utilitarianism into a more sophisticated guide for both individual conduct and public legislation.12