Utilitarianism John Stuart Mill 1806 1873 Do now

Utilitarianism: John Stuart Mill 1806 – 1873 Do now: Bentham believed that all pleasures are equally as valuable. Do you agree with this?

Who is. Background John Stuart Mill? - 19 th Century philosopher, political economist and civil servant - Student and Godson of Jeremy Bentham - Developed Bentham's theory and become one of the most influential proponents

What Mill disliked about Bentham’s view: • It failed to differentiate us from animals. • It failed to account for the fact that we think of some pleasures (achieving an A grade) superior to others (playing computer games). • His qualitative approach- some pleasures are worth more than others. It is the quality of pleasures that counts. • He came up with two versions of theory: an act version and rule version.

J. S. Mill’s Act utilitarianism: Mill saw flaws in Bentham’s theory and devised his own version of utilitarianism. Mill was also a hedonist, but he stressed happiness over pleasure. ‘Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote higher pleasures. ’ To promote happiness we must maximise the right kind of pleasures…

J. S. Mill’s Act utilitarianism: DO NOW: Why did John Stuart Mill believe ‘it is better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a pig satisfied. ’

Higher and Lower pleasures Mill argues that higher pleasures are intellectual ones: this is what makes human pleasures different, and superior to animal pleasures. Higher pleasures = satisfy the mind Lower pleasures = satisfy the body Make a list of higher and lower pleasures in your book It is an unquestionable fact that those who are equally acquainted with and equally capable of appreciating and enjoying both, do give a most marked preference to the manner of existence which employs their higher faculties

Higher and Lower pleasures Higher pleasures Lower pleasures Attending academic lectures Certain sports activities Poetry Art Galleries Reading Opera Theatre Painting Studying Eating (sweets, cakes etc) Tickled Watching TV Sexual activities Riding a bike All inclusive holiday

Mill: Higher and Lower Pleasures For Mill then, higher pleasures, and the consequence which any action should aim to bring about are things such as reading poetry, philosophical debate and visiting theatre. What is a problem with this theory? Mill has been criticised for being elitist and alienating those outside of the upper and middle classes.

Was Mill just a snob? ? ? ?

Can you identify which statements Bentham would agree with and which Mill would agree with? Or both? The right action is the one which produces the greatest happiness. Human beings should seek higher pleasures. Happiness and goodness are the same thing. All pleasures are of equal value. All people are motivated by pleasure. People’s motives are less important than the consequences of their actions.

Act vs Rule Utilitarianism Act Utilitarianism Rule Utilitarianism Utilitarian theory applied to individual actions. Utilitarian theory that takes in to account the greatest overall happiness based on general rules. Apply to specific case EG: Should Joe Bloggs pay for a bus fare? In each individual situation you must assess whether paying the bus fare is the moral thing to do. Agree to general rule EG: Is it best for the whole Of society if everyone pays For bus fares? Apply to specific case EG: So Joe Bloggs should pay for a bus fare (unless this changes the overall outcome.

J. S. Mill’s Rule utilitarianism: • Rule Utilitarianism argues that moral laws must be obeyed • They are selected on the basis of whether they will maximise general good or welfare in society • There are conditions by which moral decisions ought to be made and following these rules/conditions will lead to some actions being right and others wrong. Rule Utilitarian's assume that: 1. General moral rules exist for the benefit of the majority of people 2. They prevent selfish behaviour 3. Rules are determined by their consequences, the amount of utility they produce for the most amount of people.