PP247 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4-3: Utopia, Minimax, Thomas Hobbes
Document Summary
Ultimately, the utilitarian appeals to the sentiment of generalized benevolence, and speaks to others who feel this sentiment too and for whom it is an over-riding feeling. A utilitarian would compromise his utilitarianism if he allowed principles of justice which might conflict with the maximization of happiness. He may well deduce from his ethical principle that certain ways of distributing the means to happiness are more conducive to the general good than are others. He will be interested in justice insofar as it is a political or legal or quasi-legal concept. He will consider whether the legal institutions and customary sanctions which operate in particular societies are more or less conducive to the utilitarian end than are other possible institutions and customs. Even in a purely utilitarian society, members may act in their best interests, making legal and customary sanctions regarding the distribution of goods necessary.
