We ought always to act from the motive of promoting the general interests of society.
We ought always to act from the motive of promoting the general interests of society.
Utilitarianism tells us our duties, but it doesn't prescribe any particular motivation. Most of our actions are done for other motives (for example, to benefit ourselves or our friends, or to escape punishment). These actions are right if they accord with the general interest.
The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action, but much to do with the moral worth of the agent. Utilitarianism is only about the former.
We ought always to act from the motive of promoting the general interests of society.
Utilitarianism tells us our duties, but it doesn't prescribe any particular motivation. Most of our actions are done for other motives (for example, to benefit ourselves or our friends, or to escape punishment). These actions are right if they accord with the general interest.
The motive has nothing to do with the morality of the action, but much to do with the moral worth of the agent. Utilitarianism is only about the former.