“What Is Odious in Death Is not Death Itself, but the Act of Dying”

John Stuart Mill remains one of the most famous names in political philosophy and ethics. His On Liberty is viewed as the great defense of individual liberties, particularly freedom of speech. His Utilitarianism is a key work in one of the main schools of moral thought. In this chapter, the author discusses the utilitarian background of Mill’s view of death and dying; his controversial views on the death penalty; and how he viewed death as a potential spur to doing the duty. She discusses some modern political implications of Mill’s view. Mill’s view of death and dying therefore, is conditioned by his concern for maximizing utility, and particularly for avoiding suffering. Mill’s position that dying is much worse than death helps to explain his opposition to abolishing the death penalty. Sympathy was a central element of Mill’s utilitarianism, as it is what makes utilitarianism psychologically feasible.