Formação do caráter na ética utilitarista de Mill

Abstract

According to John Stuart Mill, maximizing happiness is closely related to the development of people's character. The philosopher argues that education and opinion have such a great influence on human character that if it were developed from utilitarian philosophy it would be possible to establish in the minds of people an indissoluble association between individual happiness and the happiness of all. In order to deepen the understanding of this relation the theme of this work is the utilitarianism of Mill and the formation of the moral character. In order to reach this goal, a bibliographical research methodology was used, analyzing the already published literature on the concepts that guide the proposed theme, observing and using the analytical-interpretative methodological approach. The dissertation presents the main ideas of the classical philosophers of utilitarianism, investigates Mill conception of utilitarianism by analyzing the relation of the utility principle and the principle of freedom and observes Mill notions about the constitution of the character of morality. The results of the research allow us to consider that Mill considers the notions of virtue, justice, diversity, tolerance and empathy values inseparable from the conception of happiness. It was concluded that Mill qualitative hedonism is an indirect utilitarianism, offering more space for the acceptance of non-utilitarian maxims, without abandoning the principle of utility