John Stuary Mill:Utilitarianism
Amazon link: N/A
What I expect to learn:
In this chapter, I expect to learn more about Utilitarianism and understand the different principles about it.
Quote:
“It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.”
Review:
In this chapter, I can say that John Stuart aspires to develop a positive view of the world and the place of humans in it, one which contributes to the progress of human knowledge, individual freedom and human well-being. He tackles here the foundation of morals, Utility, or the Greatest Happiness Principle, he said that an action is morally right if it brings happiness to a person (absence of pain), and wrong if it causes pain. Also in this chapter, it is stated that no reason can be given why the general happiness is desirable, except that each person, so far as Stuart believes to be attainable, desires his own happiness. And for me that is true, we all want to be happy. Some people became so positive or productive when they are happy, it is for me an inner force that drives a person to a better condition. In addition to that, Stuart says that people should consider the majority or those higher in terms of number that can be happy by a certain events, and or decisions. Sometimes, we found answers to our problems by asking people especially when it’s so hard to decide, so we ask others to what they think will be great for us and when we found that many people will be happy on this side we will tend to follow them because for them this thing will be good for you or this will give you happiness. These things made me think that it is not always right to pursue or follow the likes of the majority. It might always depends on the situation. The best example here is when you’re in a situation that you think you need to lie to save your classmates, when you’re teacher asks you if your classmates really did their assignments or just copied theirs from you and you’re confused what to say. Will you let your teacher punish your classmates because you think you’re teaching them the right thing or they will be a better person if you will be honest or will you simply say a lie and continue tolerate your classmates. I think it always depends on the betterment not on the majority.
What I have learned:
I’ve learned in this chapter that we need to think also for the future consequences of our desires and decisions. Yes, we need to love our neighbor as we love ourselves but we need to think what will be the best way for them. Not all the time, we need to help them and be happy for then especially when they are doing wrong.
Integrative questions:
- What is Utilitarianism?
- What does the Principle of Utility says?
- What is Stuart trying to say in this article?
