THE UTILITARIANS: Mill (RULE) & J.J. SMART, WILLIAMS
Read SMART for ACT UTILITARIANISM
(1) While Rule utilitarianism may look a lot like Kantianism, there are important
differences between them. What are they, i.e., how does Kant deviate from The
Golden Rule touted by Mill to be the main directive for moral conduct?
(2) What is the “Principle of Utility” or what Mill calls “The Greatest happiness
Principle” Explain. What is meant by the Utilitarian credo “The Greatest good for
the greatest number?”
(3) How does Mill defend Utilitarianism against charges that it is “Animalistic,”
“Selfish” and Hedonistic? Give specific reasons. Why can’t it be selfish in light of
the Principle of Utility?
(4) What is special about the “Higher” Pleasures in comparison to the “Lower”
description of Pleasures? How does Mill distinguish between the two? Give
examples of both kinds.
(5) Why, according to Mill is it “better to be Socrates dissatisfied rather than a pig
satisfied?” What is he suggesting about the difference a between person v Pig?
(6) Why would Mill oppose the idea of a family of six adopting a slave to serve them
even though it might make 6 people really happy and only one person really
miserable?
(7) What is the difference between “Rule” and “Act” utilitarianism? What makes
Mill a “Rule” as opposed to J.J. smart (packet) who is a self proclaimed, “Act”
Utilitarian?
(8) Though both types of Utilitarianism ultimately appeal to the “Principle of utility,”
their responses to moral dilemmas may differ. How come? Why does Smart
disagree with Mill?
(9) What does Smart mean that studying “mathematics” is ultimately more “Fecund” than playing pushpin” or basketball? Carefully explain. Do you think he is right?
Why or why not?
(10) What are some of the problems that Williams’ identifies with Utilitarianism
generally? How does he use the concept of “Integrity” in arguing against such
theories? What does he mean by having “Deeply held projects?” Why is he so
against Utilitarianism?
(11) In the Pedro example, why would Williams refuse to kill the one person to save
the rest? Likewise, why would he not take the Chemistry job—or at least claim is
certainly not obvious why that would be the right thing to do? What reasons does
he offer?
(12) If Mill were to find a rich doctor’s wallet in the street {with $$$, credit cards,
Driver’s License, etc.} would he return it —why or why not? According to Rule
Utilitarianism, would the choice be different if the wallet’s owner was a “Welfare”
recipient—why or why not? What would J.J. Smart do and in either case? Would
he agree with Mill’s decisions—why or why not? Give reasons. Why would Mill’s
Rule Utilitarianism require that he give the wallet back whether the wallet’s owner
is a “Welfare Mother” or “Rich Doctor?” Explain.
(13) What makes The Trolley Problem a prime example of a Utilitarian moral
dilemma? How do you think a Rule Utilitarian like Mill would respond to the
situation presented on the videos? Would an Act Utilitarian such as Smart do
something different? Why or why not? Explain
