Utilitarianism- Mill

             One well-known philosopher who dealt with the theory of utilitarianism was John Stuart Mill. Mill was the leading philosopher in Britain during the nineteenth century and defended the theory of utility against many critics. Numerous others argued that the simple obtainment of pleasure and avoidance of pain was the sole goal of the utilitarian. Meaning that any form of pleasure, whether it be mental or bodily satisfaction, in the greatest amount possible was the only desirable end. Mill, in opposition to this, argues that the higher the quality of a pleasure, the more satisfied the agent would be. He stated that what makes one pleasure more valuable than another is that "if one of the two is, by those who are competently acquainted with both, placed so far above the other that they prefer it, even though knowing it to be attended with a greater amount of discontent, and would not resign it for any quantity of the other pleasure"(Mill, 384). He believes that even if a large amount of lower pleasure is obtained, it still will not be as fulfilling as a small amount of higher pleasure. Mill theorizes that it "is not the agent's own greatest happiness but the greatest amount of happiness altogether"(Mill, 349). And since it is rarely disputed that the noble character of one, usually gained by the enjoyment of noble pleasures, can be spread more easily to others than the character of one who is only exposed to the lesser pleasures in life, he draws the conclusion that one who experiences superior pleasures will in turn affect others in a more substantial way. In conclusion, Mill believes that whether considering the agent himself or the greater good of the community, the ultimate goal is "an existence exempt as far as possible from pain, and as rich as possible in enjoyment"(Mill, 350).
             A personal-choice situation that would be significant in describing the ideas of John Stuart Mill would be as ...

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