Readings: Mill, "Utilitarianism," in Solomon, Martin and Vaught 323-47. Definitions of utilitarianism, utilitarianism‑act and utilitarianism‑rule in Angeles; Beauchamp and Bowie, "Normative Ethics" on electronic reserve, 17-24

 I. Background

 

II. Utilitarianism: Chapter One   

A. Distinction between Science and Ethics ‑ Summum Bonum argued for years ‑ Why?   

   

B. Natural Moral Faculty ‑ Doesn't solve problem      

 

C. Character of Proof of the Utilitarian or Happiness Theory

 

III. Chapter Two: What Utilitarianism Is   

A. Definition of Utility or Greatest Happiness Principle:

“actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.  By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain and the privation of pleasure.”  (Mill in SMV 331) 

      

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 in SMV, 333)."

 

2. Objection: People pick lower pleasures.

Some are tempted.  Some pick nearer good, still knowing the higher is better.  Some become incapable.  Some don’t have the time or opportunity. 

      

3. First Major Break with Bentham:

Qualitative v. Quantitative 

 

 

D. Description of the Good Life, the Summum Bonum (Mill in Solomon, Martin,and Vaught, 335-36)    

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. (Mill, Utilitarianismat http://www.utilitarianism.com/mill2.htm; accessed 10-4-2010)

 

E. Objection – “Happiness Unobtainable” - “Ought implies Can” 

 

F. Objection: Possible to do without happiness

 

G. Objection:  People taught to seek happiness as the end may not be satisfied with a moderate amount

 

Tranquility and excitement, improvement in social conditions (elimination of disease, poverty, more education, etc.)