PHI-10 Lecture Notes - Lecture 30: John Stuart Mill, Generic Point, Consequentialism
Document Summary
Preliminary points about mill and his theory (1). John stuart mill (1806-73): most influential english-speaking philosopher of 19th century. (also, poli sci and eco) (2). In 1865, he became a member of british parliament. (3). Fought against slavery and for rights of women. (4). Mill does not invent utilitarianism but defends it in new ways. It"s the actual consequences of the action that make it right or wrong, not the intended or hoped-for consequences. (b). M. wants an alternative to theories that focus on intentions/hopes. Ghp: action are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. It"s not telling us to promote our own individual happiness. We are focus on promoting the happiness of all concerned. 2. 2 but it"s also not telling us to discount our own individual happiness. Our happiness counts, but for no more or less than anyone else"s.
