JS Mill You swine! Better to be an unhappy philosopher than a happy pig – thoughts???

Mill Crits and vs Bentham Starter – what’s the difference between a higher and a lower pleasure using examples? Homework – Consideration of who provides the stronger foundation for utilitarianism, Bentham or Mill? LO s To evaluate crits of Mill To evaluate the similarities and differences between Mill and Bentham’s approach

Mill Crits Discuss possible criticisms of Mill’s approach in groups of four Optimistic view of human nature and individual autonomy (Victorian ideology) Higher or lower meaningless Arrogant Too complex with rules but exceptions Cannot decide quickly therefore not practical

Bentham vs Mill Pairs Activity 1 – Each pairs to discuss and note down (on one half of page) similarities between Mill and Bentham…things that they share 2 – Other pairs to discuss differences between them, one column for Bentham and one for Mill. 3 – Once done, one person from each pair swap with a pair doing the opposite to them, share and disseminate ideas.

Bentham vs Mill – Similarities Pleasure and pain inbuilt in human nature Happiness is goal Human society exists to create happiness Human progress Rejection of religion and DCT A posteriori, evidence based

Bentham vs Mill Differences Bentham Quantity of happiness Pleasures same value Individualistic Hedonic Calculus Human rights nonsense Mill Quality of happiness Higher lower pleasures Aggregate individual happiness General Principles applied Human’s must have liberty and rights

WWJBoJSM do? For each scenario, broadly apply thinking of Bentham and Mill. 1 – Intervention in Syria 2 – Capital Punishment 3 – Abortion 4 – Gay Marriage