John Stuart Mill: Thought

Question 1

What is the basis of ethics/doing good?

Answer 1

What will create the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Question 2

What is the view of a rule utilitarain?

Answer 2

A good law can bring happiness to society.

Question 3

What should humans do, unlike animals?

Answer 3

“It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied” - unlike animals, humans are capable of and should strive for higher pleasures, or society would become very boring.

Question 4

What are some problems with Mill’s thinking?

Answer 4

• Does the end of maximising happiness justify even unpleasant or immoral means to get there?
• Can we really know what the end or consequence will always be?