1.carefully state and explain the fundamental principle of Mill’s utilitarianism. Mill provides a (controversial) positive argument for his fundamental principle later on in his book. But he starts out his defense of utilitarianism by rebutting a number of popular objections that have been, or could be, raised against it. (It is also in the course of this discussion of popular objections that we learn more about the particular flavor of Mill’s version of utilitarianism, in contrast to Bentham’s version).
- Examine two of the objections that Mill considers as well as Mill’s replies to these objections. The first objection that you should discuss is the one
- that Mill also addresses first under the heading ‘Higher and Lower Pleasures’, namely, the ‘swine/pig’ objection, in response to which he develops his famous theory of higher and lower pleasures. The choice of the second objection to be discussed is up to you. Are Mill’s replies convincing? Can you think of any replies to Mill’s replies?
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