Schedule for reading Mill:
Monday, April 8: Read to p. 21 of Utilitarianism
(Through the paragraph that ends at the top of the page. You may also want to read Norman, pp.92-97)
Wednesday, April
10: Read to p. 40 (also read Norman,
pp.102-107)
Friday, April 12: Finish the book
Monday, April 15: Read Norman’s chapter on Mill
Some questions to consider:
Note: Mill doesn't get around to telling his
readers what the utilitarian theory of ethics is until page seven. You may find it helpful to read the first
paragraph (at least) of the editor's introduction, or to look at Mill's own
explanation on page seven (in the first paragraph beginning on that page),
before reading Chapter 1.
1. Note the criticism of Kant on p.4. What exactly is Mill claiming about Kant's
theory of ethics? Does it seem to you
that his criticism of Kant is sound?
2. Chapter 2 attempts to clarify the meaning
of the utilitarian theory of ethics by showing that a number of common objections
to it are based on misunderstandings.
The first of these objections is met (on pp.6-7) by pointing out that
'utility' includes 'pleasure' and is not opposed to it. See if you can state the objection itself in
your own words. What would someone say
if he or she was criticizing utilitarianism in the way that Mill is imagining
here?
3. A second objection is addressed in the
pages 7-12. It is stated in the second
paragraph beginning on p.7. Mill's
reply hinges on a matter we discussed already:
a distinction between higher and lower pleasures. Try to get clear on what sorts of pleasures
Mill thinks are 'higher' and what sorts 'lower.' Try also to understand and evaluate the reasoning he uses to
defend his way of drawing this distinction.
(This involves developing the notion of a 'competent judge.')
4. Note that this section culminates in a
more detailed statement of the utilitarian doctrine (in the paragraph that
starts on the bottom of page 11 and concludes on page 12).
5.
How
does Mill respond to the objection that happiness is unattainable (either
absolutely or in sufficient amount)?
(Pp.12-15)
6.
How
does he respond to the claim that it is nobler or more virtuous to learn to do
without happiness? (Pp.15-17)
7.
How
does he respond to the objection that utilitarianism is too demanding (I.e.,
that it asks too much of us)? (Pp.17-19)
8.
How
does he respond to the objection that utilitarianism makes people cold and
unsympathetic and leads them to ignore people’s intentions? (Pp.19-21)