Introduction to Philosophy

Achieve Test Prep: Philosophy

termed the principal of utility which is to act always to promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number. In this particular writing, Bentham articulates the philosophical foundation for utilitarianism. It is a foundation that combines both psychological egoism and ethical egoism: the experiences of pain and pleasure determine what we shall do as well as what we ought to do. In Bentham’s theory, it is true that our thinking and behavior are in general dominated by the irresistible influences of pleasure and pain, and we have the freedom to make specific choices within this general framework. In seeking pleasure and avoiding pain, Bentham believed that people often make choices that are shortsighted, uninformed, unnecessarily cruel and exploitative. Bentham believed that through the power of education, people have the opportunity to become more informed and insightful and to make choices that reflect a more enlightened ethical standard. For Bentham, this ethical standard is the principle of unity which is promoting the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. The principle of unity recognizes the dominating power of pleasure and pain and seeks to harness and direct this power to more enlightened social ends. Bentham was determined to give his ethical approach a scientific grounding, an objective credibility that would compel social change by persuading people of its truth. Bentham’s priority was to effect social change by replacing the existing legal system with more socially progressive laws. He wanted people to believe that the principle of unity represented a rational, practical way of thinking that was based in reality not some abstract philosophical doctrine that was disconnected from real world problems. Bentham believes the principle endorses all actions that tend to produce benefit, advantage, pleasure, good, or happiness which leads it to prevent mischief, pain, evil, or unhappiness. Bentham wants individuals to see that the principle has far reaching social implications not just personal consequences, embracing the happiness of the community as well as the happiness of the individual. It is important for individuals to seek their own happiness in accordance with the principle and it is equally important for governments to abide by the same principle or the community as a whole. Consistent with his ethical framework, Bentham contends that motives and intentions are morally neutral and it is the consequences of these motives and intentions that determine their moral goodness or badness. Mill: Higher Pleasures have Greater Worth John Stuart Mill was a British philosopher and a student of Bentham who expanded on Bentham’s concept of utilitarianism. One of Mill’s most serious reservations regarding Bentham’s version of utilitarianism was its failure to make a distinction between various kinds of pleasure and Mill was offended by the leveling of pleasures. Mill was convinced that the higher pleasure activities that were intellectual, literary, philosophical, and aesthetic were greatly preferred over the lower pleasures which are physical and sensual pleasures. Mill believed that the principle of unity should be applied not only to humans but to non-human animals as well.

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