Utilitarianism: The Objective Basis for Morality

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Introduction
Morality is a feature of human beings that is not objective since human species do not
share common values. The fact that human beings do not share the same moral values make
morality objective. According to Mackie objectivity refers to a position of the existence of truth
which is independent of opinion. Mill's Principle of Utility provide an objective basis for
morality in that, the principle argues that behaviors are right because they promote happiness and
pleasure and they are also wrong because they also provide unhappiness or pain. Mill defends his
arguments by pointing out that happiness is not the only value. He tries to validate the utilitarian
belief as the groundwork of morals (Harsanyi 23). The norm states that actions are correct in
percentage because they encourage the human contentment. Thus, Mill emphasizes mainly on
the impacts of actions and not on what is right nor the moral opinions.
According to Mill, utilitarianism is a series of ethical theories that lead to promotion of
actions that maximize welfare of the society and happiness that of individuals. Various versions
of utilitarianism accept a range of characterizations (John 34). The primary thought behind all
those theories is the maximization of utility. Utility in general terms is defined in terms of
welfare of the society or other concepts that are closely related to that. Utilitarianism is one of

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the most celebrated and influential philosophies today. The theory has several properties that
build it.
Pleasure Has Worth
Utilitarianism originates from the word utility which means pleasure or happiness in this
context. The saying that something has inherent worth means that it is valuable in itself. A
universe whereby this thing subsists is enhanced than a realm that that lacks it. The basic value is
opposite of the instrumental value. An object has an instrumental value if it has means to some
end. For instance, a screw driver possesses a great worth to the carpenter since it is no just prized
for what it is but for the sake of the work that it performs (Michael 45). Mill admits the fact that
humans value some other things rather than preference and contentment for their private sake.
However, he argues that we never value anything unless the thing can be associated with
pleasure and happiness. For instance, beauty is valued because it is pleasurable to the beholder.
Knowledge is valued because it helps us in deal with the universe and this is directly linked to
contentment. In the same way, we rate love and love and alliance since they are the foundations
of happiness. Preference and contentment are exclusive since they are prized morally for their
identifiable sake. There is no other motive for appreciating the concept of love and friendship.
Mill perceives happiness as a constituent of many pleasures.as a result of this, he runs two
concepts together (Mill 89).
Critics object utilitarianism through claiming that the hypothesis gives justification for
treating people badly and violating their rights (Michael 46). The criticism only holds if it is
always not correct and therefore it is never morally justified to treat persons in the bad ways.
Utilitarianism respond by arguing that the ethical common sense is not absolute those who critic

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this knowledge.in the instance of a punishment, when people hope that their system of criminal
justice would give persons fair trial and separate the innocent from the wrong doers, the systems
have not been perfect for a long time (Michael 47).as a result of this, persons who are innocent
end up being punished for wrongs that they did not do while the wrong doers walk scot free. This
problem poses a great challenge to those who criticize utilitarianism. We are faced with a
dilemma if we know that our justice systems treat people unfairly. We can shut down the system
and punish the stakeholders or remain with the system and keep on suffering (Harsanyi 89).
Actions Are Right Since They Endorse Contentment and Wrong Because They Promote
Pain
This is a controversial principle since it makes Utilitarianism a consequence because it
says that principles of an action are followed by costs (Mill 47). The more a given action is taken
by those who are pretentious by the action, the better the action becomes. For instance, all factors
kept constant, offering gifts to children is better than giving gifts to only one child (Johnson
46). This means that all people should be taken the same regardless of their position in the
society.
Happiness in Everyone Counts Equally
This is the idea that everyone should be treated equally. We have the same obligations to
help the strangers in their problems so as to bring them closer to us. Helping the strangers helps
them to fell more loved and also they bring them closer to the people in the region. Critics
believe that helping everyone out makes Utilitarianism demanding and unrealistic (Johnson
34). This makes love to be realistic to every individual in the area. However, Mill responds to
that by arguing that overall pleasure is served by each individual concentrating on both