What is utilitarianism and how did that affect Mill's views on production and distribution?

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that posits that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. John Stuart Mill, a prominent proponent of this philosophy, believed that both production and distribution should aim to enhance the welfare of society. He argued for fair distribution of resources to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to achieve happiness, thus linking economic practices directly to moral considerations. Mill's utilitarianism emphasized the importance of promoting societal well-being over mere profit maximization.