John Stuart Mill and utilitarianism

• Grant number: 14/11049-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• Start date: August 11, 2014
• End date: August 10, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Philosophy - Ethics
• Principal Investigator: Mauro Cardoso Simões
• Grantee: Mauro Cardoso Simões
• Host Investigator: José Manuel Bermudo Ávila
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Aplicadas (FCA). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Limeira , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Spain

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate whether the traditional interpretation of Mill as a rule utilitarian is unfailingly fraught with problems and that is inconsistent with the Mill's positions in the Chapter IV of the System of Logic. Then, I'll try to analyze an attempt to solve the problems of this interpretation, considering the principle of utility like an axiological principle, since this interpretation takes into consideration the "Art of Life". I'll argue, however, that Mill considers the principle of utility a moral principle, and not an axiological principle. On the third moment I'll discuss the utilitarians bases of Millean conception of 'freedom', 'happiness' and if Mill can be described as a hedonist. (AU)