Utilitarianism Response

Utilitarianism suggests that we ought to act for the outcomes of our actions. If the outcome provides a sense of greater happiness considering all subjects around the person, then it is a moral act. I believe that this is not the most just way of increasing the good. One way I could potentially uphold the greatest happiness principle for myself and those surrounding me is by inducing everyone in a stimulant drug. This may seem like it does a greater good which according to Mills is increasing happiness and alleviating pain, but it is not necessarily one that is intrinsically good. The consequence of this action provides happiness as according to Mill  “happiness is intended pleasure and the absence of pain”(7).

To me it seems that utilitarianism is a concept that would appeal to those who have a means of being able to feed their pleasures, become happy, and alleviate pain. Pain and suffering are often caused by hunger and lack basic necessities. According to Mill, an act is that alleviates pain and suffering is moral because it brings about a greater good. If a man is impoverished and is going through hard times along with his family and close relatives, stealing from an affluent someone would be justified. This is solely because the agent, or the man stealing, brings about the greatest amount of happiness. Even though this may seem like a trivial example it shows that since utilitarianism does not look at the action itself and only looks at the consequences, it could cause unjust morals to develop.