Summary of Unit 17

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The voyage of philosophy : Dr. Ahn’s youtube philosophy classroom
 
 
Unit 17 : Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill

# SUMMARY

The essential of utilitarianism is public, popular hedonism as shown in its formula "the greatest happiness of the greatest number". It is better to pursue a large number of pleasures than just to pursue one’s own pleasure. On the base of public pleasure the hedonism frees itself from the blame that is commonly imposed on hedonists, namely, "hedonist = egoist." Until now hedonists could not avoid criticism that "hedonism is a dissolute way of life" or that "hedonism is the philosophy of the rich who love quality wine and sexy girls."

Under these circumstances, utilitarianism, a popular hedonism advocated by Bentham, has caused a new development in the history of hedonism. Utilitarianism has made up for many of the weaknesses of conventional hedonism by considering not only one's own but also another's pleasure. Therefore, utilitarianism is widely applied to many social problems, economics, and public welfare theories up to the present day.

However there were 3 objections against Bentham's utilitarianism
1. It suits only pigs.
2. Happiness is impossible.
3. Utilitarianism is cold.

To these criticism of utilitarianism
J.S.Mill defends it as follows

1. There are different kinds of pleasure : Intellectual pleasure is more valuable than physical pleasure.
2. Even if happiness is impossible, it is possible to reduce unhappiness.
3. Consequentialism is compatible with duty moral. Therefore utilitarianism can be also sympathetic, passionate moral.


In order to see full text :

http://m.cafe.daum.net/godtalent/21Wj/12?svc=cafeapp


In ordere to see youtube lecture

https://youtu.be/df9YNG6iLFA