Utilitarianism and John Stuart Mill

  • Utilitarianism Overview

    • John Stuart Mill is the primary focus for the class that will lead up to a quiz on Thursday.
    • Mill's works are essential for understanding utilitarianism.
    • Utilitarianism is often considered straightforward ethical theory.

  • Midterm Paper Guidelines

    • Papers can be single spaced.
    • Aim to keep papers within five pages to maintain clarity and conciseness.
    • Emphasis on developing a clear thesis statement supported by textual examples.
    • Consistency in citation style is required (APA, MLA, Chicago).

  • Class Attendance

    • An attendance sheet will be circulated due to an oversight in record-keeping.

  • Understanding Mill's Philosophy

    • Engaging with Mill's work is critical, and students who fell behind should catch up by Thursday.
    • Utilitarianism is commonly associated with the idea that "the end justifies the means."
    • This perspective often provokes discussion regarding moral duties and outcomes.
    • Example: Saving a drowning child can elicit debate on motivation and moral obligation.

  • Kant vs. Mill

    • Kant emphasizes duty and motives in ethical scenarios, while Mill focuses on outcomes and their consequences (Consequentialism).
    • Mill permits actions based on the results that promote the greatest happiness for the most people.
    • The principle is that actions are wrong if they lead to unhappiness and right if they promote happiness.

  • Concept of Utility

    • Utility is the measure of usefulness or benefits that actions provide.
    • Mill defines this in terms of pleasure and the absence of pain.
    • Greatest Happiness Principle: Actions are deemed moral based on their contributions to happiness among all beings.

  • Higher and Lower Pleasures

    • Some pleasures are of a higher quality (intellectual or moral) compared to more base pleasures (simple bodily satisfaction).
    • Mill posits that being an unhappy human is preferable to being a satisfied pig because of the ability to perceive and understand more profound joys or moral standings.

  • Limitations and Flaws of Utilitarianism

    • Utilitarianism faces criticism for being overly calculating and cold in its assessments.
    • The "dirty hands" problem: Ethical dilemmas arise when actions for the greater good may harm innocents.
    • Utilitarianism can be seen as leading to potential moral incongruities, such as ethical justifications for harmful actions against individuals for perceived broader benefits.

  • Potential Quiz Questions and Preparation

    • Examples of expected questions:
    • Compare and contrast Kant's Categorical Imperative with Mill's Utilitarianism.
    • Describe Mill's Greatness Principle and its implications for ethical decision-making.
    • Explain the definition of happiness in Mill's philosophy.
    • Class discussion on how to frame questions for quizzes based on current readings and class discussions.