Question

(a) What are means and ends? (b) How does Mill try to prove Utilitarianism? (c) How does his proof differ from Bentham?

Answer 1

(Answer) (a) “Means” would ideally mean the resources, actions and techniques that one would use in order to achieve a particular goal or an “end” which is the end result.

Utilitarianism is when one adopts the means that have the most “use” or “utility” as their outcome. This means that utilitarianism would suggest that one undertakes actions that bring about the most pleasure or profit in the outcome.

Both Mill and Bentham claim that utilitarianism is the mode of action that one takes in order to achieve the highest utility from the goal or outcome.

However, Mill advocated utilitarianism as more of a “law” or a rule and Bentham advocated utilitarianism as most of an action or “choice” that one can make. In other words, Mill focused on how the most pleasurable and profitable outcome would ideally be the best one and Bentham claimed that utilitarianism is one of many choices and not necessarily the absolute or best choice.

Therefore, Bentham insinuates that deriving pleasure, profit or the most utility isn't what life’s actions should always be about.

1. Mill tries to prove utilitarianism by claiming that it is a “natural” human sentiment that is synonymous with the social nature of a human being. Mill, therefore, claims that utilitarianism is a natural law.
2. Bentham claims that utilitarianism is one of the many ethical codes of conduct. He indirectly claims utilitarianism should be adopted only when it is a suitable choice for the situation and is not the only viable choice in any and all situations.