Explain Mill’s distinction between higher and lower pleasures. What is the criterion for determining whether a given pleasure is higher or lower? Explain how Mill’s distinction here makes his theory different from Bentham’s.
- Suppose we are considering whether to tax the rich in order to help the poor. What could be a utilitarian argument that would support doing this? What could be a utilitarian argument that would oppose doing this?
- In the case of the Mignonette ship disaster, do you think that the three surviving sailors were morally justified in taking the life of the cabin boy? Explain the reasoning behind your view.
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