Read through Chapter 2 of Sandel one time and answer the questions below.
1.Was killing the cabin boy morally permissible? Why or why not? What are the possible arguments for or against killing the boy?
2.According to Sandel, on page 33, what are the two possible ways of thinking about the lifeboat case?
3.For Bentham, what is the highest principle of morality?
4.How does a utilitarian determine what the right thing to do it?
5.What is the purpose of life for human beings, according to Bentham? What are the strengths or weaknesses of this understanding?
6.How does Bentham define “community?” What are the strengths or weaknesses of this definition?
7.Sketch out a chart or visual representation or mathematical equation that explains Bentham’s logic with the pauper workhouse.
8.What are the main objections to Bentham’s utilitarianism? Give one example of each objection.
9.How is Mill’s proposal different from Bentham’s?
10.How does Mill understand individual freedom?
11.According to Mill, how do we maximize utility over the long run?
12.On pages 50 and 51 Sandel explains two reasons why Mill’s proposal is not a convincing argument for individual rights. Explain what they are.
13.One critique of utilitarianism is that it reduces all pleasure to a single scale. How do Bentham and Mill each respond to this criticism?
14.What is the point Sandel is making in the Shakespeare and Simpsons section? What do you think? Why?
Sample Solution