Utilitarianism: Mill & J.C.C. Smart Flashcards
J.S. Mill improved upon ___’s theory.
Bentham.
What was Bentham’s theory?
Classical hedonism.
J.S. Mill stressed the need for a ___ ___.
Moral science.
J.S. Mill identified ___ and ___ pleasures.
Higher, lower.
How did J.S. Mill modify the utility principle?
Action is for the sake of an end.
Utility Principle
Maximize happiness, minimize pain.
In the Greatest Happiness Principle, ___ = ___ = ___.
Happiness, pleasure, ultimate end.
Greatest Happiness Principle
Everything is desired for pleasure or as a means to promote pleasure or prevent pain.
J.S. Mill’s response to the doctrine worthy of swine.
Pleasures for humans are more permanent, and they are better.
Mill said that there are ___ differences in pleasure.
Qualitative.
How are there differences in pleasure?
Circumstantially (duration, fecundity, purity, certainty, etc.) and intrinsically.
How do we judge the pleasures?
Look at the choice of competent judges when:
- No pressure from morality.
- No matter the displeasures that come with it.
- No matter the quantity.
Why would Mill disagree with the following principle: “happiness can’t be the goal of life because it is unattainable?”
Because there are different levels of pleasure, and it is not just about getting happiness but also about avoiding unhappiness. Avoiding pain can be ‘happiness.’
How does Mill respond to the following statement: “utilitarianism is a selfish/egoistic doctrine?”`
It takes into account the happiness of others, and overall happiness is a strict impartial calculator. Can explain self-sacrifice and devotion.
How does Mill respond to the following statement: “promoting happiness of all at all times is too high a standard.”
Utilitarianism does not require you to look at the whole world at all times. Utilitarianism is about actions and consequences, not character and notice of the agent (recall motive objection). Same actions with different motives has the same value.
