Bentham's Utilitarianism vs. Mill's Utilitarianism

Attribute	Bentham's Utilitarianism	Mill's Utilitarianism
Founder	Jeremy Bentham	John Stuart Mill
Focus	Maximizing overall happiness	Quality of happiness
Principle	Principle of utility (greatest happiness principle)	Principle of utility (greatest happiness principle)
Measurement of Utility	Hedonic calculus (quantitative)	Higher and lower pleasures (qualitative)
Focus on Pleasure	Quantity of pleasure	Quality of pleasure
Sanctions	External sanctions (rewards and punishments)	Internal sanctions (conscience and moral duty)
Role of Rules	Rules are important for guiding actions	Rules are secondary to individual judgment
Individual Rights	Less emphasis on individual rights	Strong emphasis on individual rights
Higher Pleasures	Not distinguished from lower pleasures	Intellectual and moral pleasures are superior
Act vs Rule Utilitarianism	Primarily act utilitarianism	Primarily rule utilitarianism

Introduction

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or pleasure. It is often associated with the works of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, two influential philosophers who developed their own versions of utilitarianism. While both Bentham and Mill share the fundamental principle of maximizing happiness, they differ in their approach to measuring and evaluating happiness, the role of rules, and the importance of higher pleasures. This article aims to compare and contrast the attributes of Bentham's Utilitarianism and Mill's Utilitarianism.

Measuring and Evaluating Happiness

Bentham's Utilitarianism emphasizes the quantitative measurement of happiness. According to Bentham, happiness can be measured by the intensity, duration, certainty, and extent of pleasure or pain. He proposed the principle of the "greatest happiness for the greatest number," suggesting that actions should be evaluated based on their ability to produce the most pleasure and minimize pain for the majority of people affected.

On the other hand, Mill's Utilitarianism takes a more qualitative approach to measuring happiness. Mill argues that not all pleasures are equal and that some are of higher quality or "higher pleasures" than others. He distinguishes between lower pleasures, such as physical and sensual pleasures, and higher pleasures, such as intellectual and moral pleasures. Mill believes that higher pleasures are more valuable and should be given greater weight in moral decision-making.

The Role of Rules

Bentham's Utilitarianism is often associated with act utilitarianism, which focuses on evaluating individual actions based on their consequences. Bentham argues that moral rules are simply general guidelines that help maximize overall happiness. However, he does not believe in the absolute binding nature of rules and suggests that they can be overridden if doing so leads to greater happiness.

Mill, on the other hand, introduces the concept of rule utilitarianism. He argues that certain moral rules, such as honesty and justice, have proven to maximize overall happiness over time. While Mill acknowledges that these rules may not always lead to the greatest happiness in every individual case, he believes that following them generally produces the best outcomes for society as a whole.

The Importance of Higher Pleasures

Bentham's Utilitarianism does not differentiate between different types of pleasures. According to Bentham, all pleasures are of equal value and should be considered in the calculation of overall happiness. He argues that the only relevant factor is the quantity of pleasure produced, regardless of its source or nature.

Mill, however, introduces the concept of higher pleasures, which he believes are more valuable than lower pleasures. He argues that individuals who have experienced both higher and lower pleasures would always choose the higher pleasures if given the choice. Mill suggests that higher pleasures, such as intellectual and moral pleasures, are more fulfilling and contribute to a more meaningful and virtuous life.

Conclusion

While both Bentham and Mill are considered utilitarians, they differ in their approach to measuring and evaluating happiness, the role of rules, and the importance of higher pleasures. Bentham's Utilitarianism focuses on the quantitative measurement of happiness, emphasizes act utilitarianism, and does not differentiate between different types of pleasures. On the other hand, Mill's Utilitarianism takes a more qualitative approach, introduces the concept of rule utilitarianism, and emphasizes the importance of higher pleasures. Understanding these differences can provide valuable insights into the complexities and variations within the utilitarian ethical framework.