Week 3A: Utilitarianism
In the reading this week on Utilitarianism, one of the points made about the theory is that it does not take motivation into account. Mill states, “He who saves a fellow creature from drowning does what is morally right, whether his motive be duty or the hope of being paid for his trouble.” He says this to underscore the idea that as long as you achieve the greatest happiness for the greatest number, then “why” you did it doesn’t matter.
What do you think about this? Do our motivations matter when it comes to morality? Are we less moral if we act for less than noble reasons, such as the hope of being paid? Are we more moral if we act simply out of the duty to our fellow human beings?
Think about yourself–what motivates you to act morally? Does it affect how you feel about what you’ve done? Have you ever done something right without expecting praise or recognition? Finally, should our motivations or intentions matter, or as Mill argues, just the results?
example 1: The idea that the value of an action is determined only by its results rather than its motivations can be compelling, but I have some reservations. While achieving the greatest happiness is important, I believe the reasons behind our actions matter too. For example, if I help someone out of genuine kindness, it feels more fulfilling than if I were doing it just for a reward. The intention behind an action often adds a layer of meaning that results alone cannot capture. Even if the outcome is the same, knowing that my actions come from a place of care or duty makes a difference in how I perceive their moral value. Thus, both the outcome and the motivation should be considered when evaluating morality.
Example 2 : Mills view that motivations dont matter as long as actions lead to the greatest happiness makes sense in theory, but I have some doubts. I believe the reasons behind our actions are very important. For example, if I help someone out of genuine care, it feels much more meaningful than if Im doing it just to get a reward or recognition. Actions motivated by self-interest seem less virtuous compared to those driven by real kindness. When I think about my own experiences, I find that helping others without expecting anything in return always brings me more satisfaction. Its not just about the outcome; the intention behind the action matters a lot. So, while Mills focus on results is practical, I think motivations should also be considered to understand true morality.
