Rule utilitarianism

What did rule utilitarianism attempt to improve?

Bentham’s act utilitarianism

Who devised the theory?

Mill

What does Mill call the principle of utility?

The “first principle”

What did Mill disagree with?

Benthams approach of judging every action by the principle of utility

why did Mill disagree with judging every action just by the principle of utility?

Happiness is “much to complex for that”

What does Mill say we can draw on to decide what is right?

The accumulated knowledge and wisdom of our species on what avoids suffering and produces satisfaction and happiness

What are “secondary principles”

More general rules and guidelines

What are “secondary principles” as a result of?

Civilisations current best attempt to understand how to produce happiness

What are secondary principles subject to?

Change and improvement

What does Mills harm principle say?

People should be free to do what they want as long as they aren’t harming others

What type of pleasures does Mill distinguish between?

Higher and lower pleasures

what are higher pleasures?

intellectual and social pleasures- eg reading/going to the opera

What are lower pleasures?

basic desires such as food, sex and sleep

what does Mill say the goal is for humans?

Eudaemonia- human flourishing