FIRST YEAR SEMINAR IN PHILOSOPHY: RELATIVISM
PHIL 196, Sec. 004: TTh 4pm-5:30pm in G160 Angell Hall
The University of Michigan
Fall 2004
Instructor: James Woodbridge
email address: jwood@umich.edu
Course Webpage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~jwood/umich/Phil196.htm
Office Hours: T 2pm-3pm, W 12:30pm-2pm, and by appointment
Office: 2203 Angell Hall
Office Phone: 764-6882
Dept. Phone: 764-6285
RESPONSE ESSAY 7
In Utilitarianism, pp. 7-11, John Stuart Mill considers and responds to an objection someone might raise against taking his "greatest happiness principle" as the fundamental principle of morality.
The objection has to do with the fact that the principle bases morality on pleasure. Write a 2-page paper reacting to this discussion.
Aim to do the following sorts of things:
- In your own words, explain as clearly as you what the objection to Mill's view is supposed to be and the reasons why it is raised. (Note: this will involve stating Mill's view explicitly.)
- Explain the move that Mill makes in order to respond to this objection and how the distinction he draws is supposed to work as a reply.
- Evaluate the reasoning--Do you think Mill's response works in avoiding the objection in question? Explain why or why not.
Is there any criticism an objector can make of Mill's appeal to the distinction he draws?
- Identify further questions that can be raised about utilitarianism, questions that arise either in light of your examination of Mill's reply to this objection, or from considerations
that reach beyond this objection.
Keep your paper within the 2-page limit!
Your paper is due in my mailbox Monday, November 29th by 3pm.