Study Questions

Mill's Utilitarianism

1.) What is classic utilitarianism greatest happiness principle?

2.) How does Mill understand pleasure?

3.) What properties of an action determine its moral worth?

4.) Does the utilitarian count one person's happiness more than another?

5.) What is Kant's criticism of the utilitarian goal?

6.) What general criticism is offered of the utilitarian goal?  How does Mill's view address this criticism?

7.) What is the distinction between act and rule utilitarianism, and how might it help with free-riders?

8.) What is the difference between actual and expected outcomes?

9.) Why might people argue that utilitarianism is too demanding?  What is Mill's response?

10.) Why might people argue that utilitarianism fails to guarantee rights and/or justice?  What is Mill's response?