What if we made more people happy?
Lesson Objectives
Appreciate the unique place John Stuart Mill has in British history
Understand why Jeremy Bentham focuses on Ethical Hedonism
Understand how to use the Greatest Happiness Principle to make moral choices
Understand how utlitarianism and deontology compare with each other
Understand the dichotomy between libertarianism and authoritarianism
Understand Mill's Classical Liberal approach to social justice & early Feminism
Key Terms
Philosophical Radicals
Universal Suffrage
Hedonism
Consequentialism
Machiavellianism
State Consequentialism
Utilitarianism
The Greatest Happiness Principle
Optimific
Libertarian vs. Authoritarian
The Subjection of Women
Justice (Mill)
A Born Philosopher
The Philosophical Radicals
• Before JS Mill, the Philosophical Radicals arose in British government
• Began their activities in the 1820s — including Mill's father: James Mill
• The Radicals fought for the end of British aristocracy and privilege
• argued for universal suffrage (ie. voting for all), and the end of the British monarchy, House of Lords, & political separation from the Church of England
John Stuart Mill
• Recieved no formal schooling, but was homeschooled by philosophers
• Became a member of Parliament (Liberal Party) like his father
• Would now be considered Libertarian (Classical Liberal) today
• Thought with Bentham that the best society is the happy society
Modernity: Why can we now aim for happiness? 😊
• Our basic needs have been met by industry, technology, and the economy
• Modern democracy grants us the right to self-determination and autonomy
• Mindfulness, mental health, and well-being are now serious pursuits
The Advantages of a Morality based in Happiness
• Doesn't follow a particular religion (cf. DCT / Natural Law, Wars of Religion)
• Considers large vulnerable groups (cf. Social Contract)
• Works toward the result of happiness, rather than duty or character (cf. Kant)
• Happiness is an intrinsic good — everyone wants to be happy (cf. Aristotle)