John Stuart Mill 1806-1873
Readings: Mill, Utilitarianism, Chapter Two. Utilitarianism, Chapter Two is available online at http://www.la.utexas.edu/research/poltheory/mill/util/util.c02.html and at http://www.utilitarianism.com/mill2.htm and also from Project Gutenberg at http://www.gutenberg.org/files/11224/11224-h/11224-h.htm#CHAPTER_II You can also view and download as a pdf file at http://socserv.mcmaster.ca/econ/ugcm/3ll3/mill/utilitarianism.pdf
I. Background
II. Chapter Two: What Utilitarianism Is
6 at http://www.la.utexas.edu/research/poltheory/mill/util/util.c02.html; accessed 1-22-07A. Definition of Utility or Greatest Happiness Principle
B. Opposition to Utility as Swine Doctrine - Higher Ends than Pleasure
C. Difference of Quality (Qualitative Utilitarianism)
1. Panel of experts: Those who are familiar with and capable of appreciating both
Famous Quote - "It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied"(Mill, Utilitarianism, paragraph
2. ". . . many capable of higher pleasures, occasionally, under the
influence of temptation, postpone them to the lower. "
3. Access, training, education and experience necessary for
appreciation of higher pleasures.
4. First Major Break with Bentham:
Qualitative v. Quantitative
D. Description of the Good Life, the Summum Bonum
(Mill in Solomon and Greene, 315 and in Henberg: 179-180; Paragraph 10 http://www.la.utexas.edu/research/poltheory/mill/util/util.c02.html ; accessed 1-22-07)According to the Greatest Happiness Principle, as above
explained, the ultimate end, with reference to and for the sake of which all
other things are desirable (whether we are considering our own good or that of
other people), is an existence exempt as far as possible from pain, and as
rich as possible in enjoyments, both in point of quantity and quality; the
test of quality, and the rule for measuring it against quantity, being the
preference felt by those who in their opportunities of experience, to which
must be added their habits of self-consciousness and self-observation, are
best furnished with the means of comparison. This, being, according to the
utilitarian opinion, the end of human action, is necessarily also the standard
of morality; which may accordingly be defined, the rules and precepts for
human conduct, by the observance of which an existence such as has been
described might be, to the greatest extent possible, secured to all mankind;
and not to them only, but, so far as the nature of things admits, to the whole
sentient creation.
E. Objection - Happiness Unobtainable
"Ought implies Can"
F. Objection: Possible to do without happiness
G. Second Major break with Bentham: Individual Should Sacrifice Own
Interest for the Good of the Whole
H. Other Objections to Utilitarianism