The Greatest Happiness Principle and Utilitarianism

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Short Discussion Questions
1 The Greatest Happiness Principle states that our actions are right when they lead to happiness and immoral when they reverse happiness. Mills believed that our actions should result in happiness and not pain. He stated that happiness is what determines when something is moral. Mill meant that the greatest joy is the sum of happiness of everyone. In saying this, Mill was showing everyone how to reach the greatest happiness by using the Harm Principle. As a way of trying to minimize pain, Mill showed people how to avoid harming others. However, it is close to impossible to apply this happiness principle since one cannot quantify pleasure. Utilitarianism insists that morals and utility are essential. In the end, Mills gave utility much weight than morals, which might result in unlikely circumstances.
2 Critics of Mill’s utilitarianism claim that the theory demands a lot. Like donating everything, one has to people in need. Utilitarianism, however, aims at minimizing pain. Those who find Mill’s theory demanding too much fail to understand that rational beings have the willpower. Will would, therefore, help to reduce suffering. Eggleston (2017) posits that only a few people could help others rather than the majority of us. A limitation of this theory is that it fails to realize that happiness is subjective. Mill tried to treat everyone equally despite their differences. Mill might have placed much emphasis on utility rather than the common-sense morality. He might have failed to account for the happiness of the minority.
3 The difference between these two is the motivation to do the act. Doing something in conformity with duty means I do something because it satisfies or fulfills my interests. Doing something from duty boils down to doing the act bec...