John Stuart Mill 1806 1873 Started philosophy at a young age but around 17 or 18 he had a nervous breakdown Became a businessman for the East India Company Then in his older age came back to philosophy Utilitarianism Found a couple of problems with the pleasure calculus 1 Pleasure calculus could be used by a majority to persecute a minority 2 Could be used to promote purely swinish pleasures Pleasure comes in 2 varieties 1 Quantity 2 Quality Both higher or lower pleasures Go to individuals who have experienced both and ask them Morality Lower pleasures selfish Higher pleasures altruistic or selfless Revision of the greatest happiness principle because it does not reflect higher and lower pleasures Revised greatest happiness principle Seek the greatest long term or highest pleasure for the greatest numbers in a society You must be willing to give up your own personal happiness for the greater good Ex Spock in Star Trek 2 Some people would say this is unrealistic many are not motivated by altruism Sanctions External rewards and punishments that get people to do the right thing regardless what their motivations are Something that motivates you to do the right thing Internal conscience my feeling for humanity To be a good utilitarian you must leave the world a better place than when you came into it Being a good friend Being charitable Being an honest business person Etc
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