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

Background Who is John Stuart Mill? 19th 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 the 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 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 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 Give eg of flower seller in covent garden: should she be allowed to enjoy her bottle of gin or be encouraged to go to the opera like the middle classes who buy her flowers? Bentham says each individual is equally entitled to work out what they want to happen. Mill criticised this with the harm principle: what if what someone wants is to murder lots of people: should be able to stop people as long as they don’t harm anyone. Suicide?

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 What is a problem with this theory? 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 the 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. All pleasures are of equal value. All people are motivated by pleasure. Human beings should seek higher pleasures. People’s motives are less important than the consequences of their actions. Happiness and goodness are the same thing.

Act vs Rule Utilitarianism Utilitarian theory that takes in to account the greatest overall happiness based on general rules. Act Utilitarianism Utilitarian theory applied to individual actions. Apply to specific case EG: Should Joe Bloggs pay for a bus fare? Agree to general rule EG: Is it best for the whole Of society if everyone pays For bus fares? In each individual situation you must assess whether paying the bus fare is the moral thing to do. 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 Utilitarian's assume that: 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: General moral rules exist for the benefit of the majority of people They prevent selfish behaviour Rules are determined by their consequences, the amount of utility they produce for the most amount of people.