On The Theoretical Construction Of Mill's Happy Principle

John Stuart Mill(1806-1873)is a famous British philosopher.His theory of utilitarian happiness has a significant influence in the history of human development.Focused on the happiness principle of Mill,this thesis analyzes the process of its theoretical construction,discusses thoroughly the basic implications,the academic values as well as its limitations.The study of Mill's happiness principle provides a new perspective to interpret happiness and lay a solid practical foundation for building a happy society today.The paper mainly consists of three parts:The first part is focused on the background of Mill's happiness principle.The core concept of Bentham's theory is hedonism,which refers to the addition of happiness and avoidance of pain.Deeply influenced by Bentham in his early time,based on the revision of the hedonism,Mill puts forward his theory of utilitarian happiness.He believes that principle of utility should be ultruistic,therefore there is an essential difference in happiness,including external sanctions and internal self-regulating.While improving his own theory,Mill also responds to Kant's critique of utilitarianism.The second part discusses the theoretical construction process of Mill's happiness principle.Mill fully illustrates the highest principle of utilitarianism and redefines the concept of happiness.In his view,happiness is goodness,which is the ultimate goal to pursue as well as the criterion of judging behaviors.The paper emphasizes on Mill's theoretical demonstration,by indicating the possibility,desirability and availability of happiness principle.He also elaborates on the relationship between freedom,virtue,conscience,justice and happiness.The third part explored reflections on Mill's theory of happiness.In regard to affirming its positive impact,Mill's theory provides a new perspective to understand happiness by appreciating cultivation of inner personality and revival of tradition of ethics and virtues.The paper alsoreflects on the theoretical limitations of Mill,including ignoring the interests of minorities and its surreality.The limitation of Justice and goodness in Mill's theory is also disscussed as well as its limitation of consquentialism.Meanwhile combined the theoretical advantages with the social reality,the pratical significance of Mill's theory is also disscussed.