[Author’s Name]
[Institution’s Name]
Essay on Utilitarianism and Social Control
The term "utilitarianism" first appeared in 1863 as the title of a book by John Stuart Mill. In Chapter Two of that book, Mill added an explanation of his use of the term. "The author of this essay has reason for believing himself to be the first person who brought the word utilitarian into use. He did not invent it, but adopted it from a passing expression in Mr. Galt's Annals of the Parish. After using it as a designation for several years, he and others abandoned it from a growing dislike to anything resembling a badge or watchword or sectarian distinction. But as a name for one single opinion, not a set of opinions-to denote the recognition of utility as a standard, not any particular way of applying it-the term supplies a want in the language, and offers, in many cases, a convenient mode of avoiding tiresome circumlocution." Thus, Mill interprets the term utilitarianism as signifying any moral theory in which acts are judged on the basis of their utility. Mill further specifies that there is no one conception of what constitutes utility and there is no implication of a sect. (Huigens, Kyron (2002))
The general purpose of Mill's thought and writings was to bring about social reform. Social reform was possible only if based upon a valid social theory (social sciences). In order for a social theory to be valid, it must be based upon sound logical theory. Finally, the theory of logic must be based upon an accurate psychology. In short, the order of Mill's thought is to move from psychology to logic, from logic to social theory, and from social theory to social reform. A leading criminal law textbook states that "prevention theories furnish a widely accepted rationale of the practice of punishment." According to these theories, punishment should be designed not to exact retribution on convicted offenders.......
