Question

Reading - UTILITARIANISM by John Stuart Mill (1863) * * * * Chapter 2 What Utilitarianism Is.

1. Why did Mill want to modify Bentham's Utilitarianism ? . How did he do this ? . Explain any problem that created for calculations under Act Utilitarianism

2.

a. Explain how Rule Utilitarianism differs from Act Utilitarianism .

b. Give an example of a circumstance under which a rule justified by a Rule Utilitarianism might require that we act in a way that is inconsistent with Act Utilitarianism .

C. How would the Rule Utilitarian justify acting in accord with the rule despite the problem set out in subpart a above :

Answer 1

1. Bentham's theory of utilitarianism says that there should be pleasure of an action and the moral value of an action depends on the quantity of pleasure. But Bentham says that it is not only quantity of pleasure but also the quality of pleasure. He says in his utilitarianism theory that the action depends on how much it offers pleasure and how many people are happy with the action. The action is moral when there is maximum happiness in the maximum people.

2

a .Rule utilitarianism is the moral action based on rules to lead maximum people to the happiness.

On the other hand, act utilitarianism suggests that the act is considered moral if it causes happiness to the maximum people. It does not depend on rules.

b. In a society it appears that women are not allowed for higher education. It is the rule and people follow this rule and show conformity. But it does not cause maximum happiness. So, it needs act utilitarianism to make the maximum goodness in the society.

c. Rule utilitarianism is to maintain balance in the society. It maintains peace in the society. The individuals follow them. As for example, one can not so any harm of others in the society.