Quantity of pleasure from "summary" of Utilitarianism and On Liberty by John Stuart Mill
The principle of utility, or the greatest happiness principle, is the foundation of the moral theory of utilitarianism. According to this principle, actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of pleasure. The concept of quantity of pleasure is essential in determining the moral worth of an action. The quantity of pleasure is not to be considered merely in terms of intensity, but also in terms of duration and certainty. The more numerous the pleasures, the greater the quantity of pleasure. It is important to take into account the quality of pleasures as well, as not all pleasures are of equal value. It is also crucial to consider the extent of the pleasure in relation to the number of people affected. The moral worth of an action is determined by the overall happiness it generates for the greatest number of people. This is known as the principle of the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
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