Write a short note on Discuss the basic features of J. S. Mill’s Utilitarianism.

John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or pleasure as the foundation for determining the morality of actions. Mill's formulation of utilitarianism introduces several key features that distinguish it from classical utilitarianism and provide nuances to the theory.

1. Greatest Happiness Principle:
   Mill articulates the principle of utility, often referred to as the Greatest Happiness Principle. According to this principle, actions are morally right in proportion to their tendency to promote happiness and wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.

2. Qualitative Hedonism:
   Mill introduces a qualitative dimension to hedonistic calculus, differentiating between higher and lower pleasures. Higher pleasures are associated with intellectual, moral, and aesthetic pursuits, while lower pleasures are more sensory and immediate. Mill argues that higher pleasures have greater value and should be prioritized in ethical decision-making.

3. Pleasure as the Sole Intrinsic Good:
   Utilitarianism, as presented by Mill, posits that pleasure is the sole intrinsic good, and pain is the sole intrinsic evil. All other goods and evils are derived from the intrinsic value of pleasure or pain.

4. Maximization of General Happiness:
   Mill emphasizes the idea of maximizing overall happiness rather than individual happiness. The ethical evaluation of actions involves considering the collective well-being of all affected individuals. This universal perspective is meant to address concerns about selfishness and promote the common good.

5. Rule and Act Utilitarianism:
   Mill acknowledges the criticisms of classical utilitarianism and introduces a distinction between rule utilitarianism and act utilitarianism. While act utilitarianism evaluates each individual action based on its immediate consequences, rule utilitarianism advocates following general rules that, when consistently applied, tend to maximize overall happiness.

6. Liberty and Individual Autonomy:
   Mill places a significant emphasis on individual liberty and autonomy within his utilitarian framework. He argues that individuals should be free to pursue their own happiness as long as their actions do not harm others. This consideration of individual rights adds a dimension of justice to Mill's utilitarianism.

7. Higher and Lower Pleasures:
   Mill's inclusion of qualitative distinctions among pleasures addresses the objection that utilitarianism might promote a "pleasure at any cost" mentality. By valuing higher pleasures more than lower pleasures, Mill provides a nuanced approach that aligns with a more refined understanding of human well-being.

8. Progressive Social Reforms:
   Mill extends utilitarianism to the realm of social and political philosophy. He argues for progressive social reforms, including women's rights, education, and workers' rights, guided by the principle of maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number.

In summary, J. S. Mill's Utilitarianism incorporates key features such as the Greatest Happiness Principle, qualitative hedonism, the prioritization of higher pleasures, the focus on overall happiness, the distinction between rule and act utilitarianism, the recognition of individual liberties, and a commitment to social progress. These elements distinguish Mill's version of utilitarianism and address some of the criticisms leveled against earlier formulations of the theory.