In this chapter, I do not think Mills argument can be valid to prove utilitarianism, he merely makes a good case that

is a psychological question . Mill first attempts to establish that happiness is the sole criterion for morality. In his words: The utilitarian doctrine is that happiness is desirable, and the only thing desirable, as an end; all other things being only desirable as a means to that end[p35] Mill proceeds to make the case that anything which we desire is either a means toward happiness, or is a component of happiness itself. I plan to expand on this concept of happiness having component part , which I think is key to this chapter. Mills argument follows the form that:if human nature is so constituted as to desire nothing which in not either a part if happiness or a means to happiness- we can have no other proof, and we require no other[p39] Mills argument, even to this stage, is not really given enough support to be considered valid. Mill proceeds to point out that this is really a psychological point, and that given enough observation of society, it seems so obvious I expect it will hardly be disputed[p39] In summing up the chapter, Mill does not even claim to

have provided valid, conclusive reasoning simply that: But if this doctrine be true, the principle of utility is proved. Whether this is so or not must now be left to the consideration of the thoughtful reader[p41] Thus, Mill provides a rationale for the defence of utilitarianism, that the only thing desirable as an end is happiness, but does not reach the level of an actual valid argument. A possible objection to utilitarianism is that certain experiences could be integral parts of a compound happiness, not merely a means to a pure, elemental happiness. Correspondingly, Mill argues now that utilitarianism can leave room for the fact that happiness consists of the other experiences that people value. This idea of happiness as having "component parts" is an important expansion of the meaning of happiness by Mill. everything we desire becomes part of happiness. Thus, happiness becomes a complex phenomenon composed of many parts, such as virtue, love of money, power, and fame.

Following on from my earlier post, a key idea presented by Mill in chapter IV of Utilitarianism is that of happiness having component parts. After presenting a possible objection to his utilitarianism, that not all experience can go directly to a pure happiness, mill argues that utilitarianism can make room for pure happiness being composed of parts; of money, of virtue, of love, or of fame. I think this is an important addition to Mills utilitarianism, it strengthens it as now any action which leads towards one of these components of out happiness is consistent with his utilitarianism as a means to the end of our happiness, as Mill says: The utilitarian doctrine is that happiness is desirable, and the only thing desirable, as an end; all other things being only desirable as a means to that end[p35]