Jaymie Ticknor Intro Philosophy 1050 Sect 003 7 March 2014 Lecture 14 Utilitarianism focuses on consequences concerned with action determines the proper course of action by analyzing which action maximizes overall happiness John Stuart Mill regarded as a genius homeschooled at a young age by 14 he was well versed in history and political affairs wrote On Liberty which put forth the importance to man and society of giving full freedom to human nature to expand itself in innumerable and conflicting directions asserts that individuals opinions and behavior should enjoy free rein Controversial relationship with Harriet Taylor who wrote the books in sync Ethical philosophy differs from the sciences because it is normative or prescriptive rather than descriptive ethics tells us how we ought to act or what we should do The result or consequence of an act is the real measure of whether it is good or bad theory emphasizes Ends over Means called teleological or consequentialist Jeremy Bentham first utilitarianism philosopher man is under two great masters pain and pleasure the great good that we should seek is happiness hedonistic perspective actions whose results increase happiness or diminish pain are good they have utility Mill distinguishes two broad schools of ethical theory those whose principles are defended by appeals to intuition and those whose principles are defended by appeals to experience utilitarianism happiness is intended to pleasure and the absence of pain specific kinds of pleasure and pain not just quantity but quality Pleasures of the intellect of the feelings of the imagination and of the mere sentiments a much higher value of pleasure than just sensation better to be intelligent and miserable than stupid and happy quality of happiness is greater than the latter Two Types of Utilitarianism Act action is right if and only if it produces the greatest balance of pleasure over pain for the greatest number Jeremy Bentham Act Utilitarianism says we should lie and steal if it will bring more happiness and or reduce pain Rule action is right if and only if it conforms to a set of rules the general acceptance of which would produce the greatest balance of pleasure over pain for the greatest number John Stuart Mill we should always seek improvements
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