The Metaphysics of Utilitarianism: A Humanistic Approach

Abstract

Since the golden days of John Stuart Mill and the exciting Age of Reason to which he was born, the philosophical landscape has changed dramatically-although these changes have not proliferated to popular culture, they have affected other disciplines, most notably, art. This paper will trace the history of philosophy of utilitarianism to find connection with contemporary (or near-contemporary) metaphysical theories, but also, significantly, will attempt to navigate the many- layered ‘can of worm’ that emerge when we attempt to assign a strict “purpose” for morality, which is in essence what utilitarianism proposes we should do, examining in short, its influence on politics, theology, art and culture. I will thus focus less on philosophical canon and more and more on the theories that they propagate, less on direct quotes, more on general philosophy. I trust this paper will be read not only from academic perspective but from a humanistic one too.