So my question is: do you think this was an effective way for Mill to convey the proper way to be and understand utilitarianism or do you believe there could have been a better method used? Perhaps Mill could have gone about it as Kant did by categorically listing off points of his philosophy? Or maybe through works of discussion between two differing parties as we read from works by Socrates/Plato? Tell me what how you feel on this and if there is anything else you might want to add on the subject of Mill's own defense for utilitarianism.
I agree with Mill's stance on Utilitarianism almost entirely. By individually trying to achieve the most pleasure and the least pain for everyone, we are exemplifying selflessness and thoughtfulness towards those around us. Rather than acting sellfishly, Utilitarianism suggests we take into account the effect our actions have on others to achieve the best result possible for everyone. Utilitarianism involves a lot of give and take; though you may sacrifice now, you will be rewarded later. Besides it explanation of how prostitution and similiar acts should be handle makes me question the theory slightly. Also the potential for misinterpretation of the theory, personified by Adolf Hitler in the Holocaust, makes me second guess Mill's theory. Though he identifies this problem in his rebuttle to question ten in our notes, the severity of misinterpretation and coercion of others to believe this misinterpertation could occur again. I would have suggested a strict, well defined guideline to follow, rather than the loose, but effective principles Mill proposes.
ReplyDeleteI believe this was a very effective way for Mills to showcase his belief system. Through pointing out that there are flaws, and through answering the questions behind the negatives people have about utilitarianism, Mills successfully makes a claim rowards Utilitarianism. I think he is so sucessful because he acknowledges that many of the views of Utilitarianism come off as very foreign or even cold. But through posing common questions and concerns about the philosophy, Mills, in essence, humanizes the concept, and show that it is not as rigid as it sounds. Also, the entire purpose of Utilitarianism is to maximize pleasure for the greatest amount of people. Through this method of questioning, Mills allows his message to be understood for the greatest amount of people. This makes it more accessible, and therefore alluring, to the greatest amount of people.
ReplyDelete