Utilitarianism In The 19th Century Essay

The democracy of the United States today is deeply intertwined with a utilitarian mindset. The ideals formed by the many thinkers/writers of the 18h-19th century can still be seen as prevalent in today’s society. The enlightened philosophes of the 17th-18th century had paved the way for a new form of political system. The idea of utilitarianism was preached by a number of prestigious writers, including John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham, and the United States own John Adams. This school of thought made its way to the United States early in the nation’s history and is deeply rooted within the origins of our great country.
Utilitarianism is defined by Merriam-Webster as the belief that a morally good action is one that helps the greatest number of people ("Utilitarianism."). Before the American Revolution, this nation appeared quite different from a political perspective. Having been dictated by foreign tyrants for over a hundred years, it was clear people had become fed up with their current governmental system. The rulers of this time had little to no regard for the well-being of the people within the colonies. King George III stated, “Once vigorous measures appear to be the only means left of bringing the

Americas to a due submission the colonies will submit...” (Hibbert 145). It makes sense that once the American peoples secured their freedom, some sought to ensure happiness among all. Utilitarianism was beginning to take its hold within American politics. In Thoughts on Government John Adams wrote
“Upon this point all speculative politicians will agree, that the happiness of society is the end of government… The form of government, which communicates ease, comfort, security, or in one word happiness to the greatest number of persons, and in the greatest degree, is the best” ("John Adams -." 3).

Later in the 19th century, an English writer by the name of John Stuart Mill published an entire piece on the concept of utilitarianism adequately titled Utilitarianism.

Throughout the essay, Mills speaks highly of utilitarianism as a way to construct a happier more stable society. “The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, Utility, or the greatest Happiness Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness” (Mill 137). The ideas of such political philosophers such as Mills and Bentham enticed the modern world at the time of their publication, including the people of the U.S. The concept of utilitarianism started shaping America many years ago, and it is important to realize its consequence in modern day

society.
Today politics primarily revolve around who can satisfy the greatest number of people. Politicians are constantly trying to please the masses in order to earn their acceptance. One could even look towards Obamacare and realize that the entire premise of this health care reform is to increase overall “happiness” of the American people. Even our current president realizes the importance of the utilitarian creed. When discussing tax reforms in 2009 he was asked if “everyone was going to have to sacrifice something, accept change for the greater good?” to which Obama replied “yes” following up with “Everybody is going to have to give. Everybody is going to have some skin in the game” (Bellantoni). This reinforces the ideas of Mills and Bentham from so long ago. “It is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong” (Bentham 93). It is clear that the thoughts and viewpoints preached by these utilitarian philosophers of the 18th-19th century have helped construct the platform on which todays American politics operate. Utilitarianism in today’s society is more prevalent than ever.