Answer these questions using John Stewart Mill’s Utilitarianism
1. What is the standard Mill speaks about when he says, “…whatever steadiness or consistency these moral beliefs have attained has been mainly due to the tacit influence of a standard not recognized.”? (from the Chapter One) Elaborate.
Hint: the standard is a particular moral principle.
2. Elaborate on Mill’s principle of utility. This answer should run about a page. There are many things in Mill’s principle. I want it connected to utilitarianism.
3. According to Mill, what makes one pleasure more valuable than another? Hint: Mill explicitly mentions this in the text. Find it and you will know. Elaborate.
4. What are the two main causes that “makes life unsatisfactory?” Hint: “want of” means a lack of. Elaborate.
5. In Chapter 2, Mill outlines several criticisms against utilitarianism. List them and Mill’s responses. This question requires your longest answer. List them all, and Mill’s response to each.
6. What does Mill mean by external and internal sanctions, and how does he apply this to utilitarianism?
7. What natural sentiment constitutes “the strength of the utilitarian morality?” Elaborate.
8. List Mill’s 5 examples of justice and injustice.
9. What are the two main things that the idea of justice supposes? Elaborate.
10. Elaborate on your impressions of Mill’s utilitarianism. Remember, each question is worth 10 points.