Why Read Mill Today?

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts discussed in John Skorupski's lecture on Mill's philosophy.

Utilitarianism

A moral theory that suggests actions are right if they promote happiness and wrong if they produce the opposite.

Harm Principle

The idea that individuals are free to act however they wish unless their actions cause harm to others.

Liberty

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority.

Free Speech

The right to express any opinions without censorship or restraint.

Informed Consent

A process for obtaining permission from patients before conducting a healthcare intervention.

Philosophical Traditions

Long-standing frameworks of thought or belief that guide philosophical inquiry.

Criticism of Mill

Challenges raised against Mill's philosophy, particularly his views on utilitarian ethics and freedom.

Ethical Dilemmas

Complex situations where a choice must be made between competing ethical principles.

Social Contract

An implicit agreement among the members of a society to cooperate for social benefits.

Autonomy

The right of individuals to make decisions for themselves.

Normative Ethics

A branch of ethics concerned with establishing how things should be or what people ought to do.

Mill's Greatest Happiness Principle

The notion that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness.

Individual Rights

The rights and freedoms that belong to individuals and are protected against infringement.

Consequentialism

An ethical theory that judges whether an act is right or wrong based solely on the consequences.

Paternalism

The practice of limiting a person's or group's liberty or autonomy for their own good.

Pluralism

The acceptance of multiple views, opinions, or beliefs within a society.