PHIL 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 34: Reductio Ad Absurdum, Paternalism, Relativism
4 Jul 2016
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Tyranny of the majority remains a danger. Relativists are forced to accept that the most racist, sexist, inegalitarian society we can imagine is as just as any other. The relativist cannot say that itt is unjust to round people up and put them in concentration camps because they are jews, etc. The sole end for which mankind are warranted, individually or collectively, in interfering with the liberty of any of their number, is self protection . I regard utility as the ultimate appeal on all ethical questions . Liberty and utility: principles are right when they promote the greatest happiness, the principle of liberty promotes the greatest happiness. 3. (c) the principle of liberty is right. Mill seems to be an indirect act utilitarian. The principle of liberty is a principle that we follow on the whole, since it maximizes utility. But if it doesn"t, then it can be violated.
