Given that Utilitarianism would have us judge an action based on the consequence

Question

Given that Utilitarianism would have us judge an action based on the consequences it produces, why does Mill reject the idea that Utilitarianism entails that we should just do whatever is expedient in the moment or on some particular occasion? Hint: To answer this, you should consider Mill’s discussion of lying, and the rule that people should tell the truth. And, according to Mill, how do particular moral conventions or intermediate rules of societies relate to Utilitarianism’s fundamental principles?

Explanation / Answer

Under Mill’s discussion of lying, Mill proposes that happiness should be seen in broader perspective and it should be according to moral standards. Telling a lie may cause consequences that bring happiness or benefits on an immediate basis, but it is short term. Thus, Truth will always be good for the betterment of society and it will build trust, a basis of societal development.

Moral conventions of societies promotes truth and discourage lye. It brings consequences or utility that is found to be good for the betterment of society in long term. Thus, it creates happiness in society that is long term in nature and it is the underlying principle of utilitarianism.

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