Jerome E. Jose                                                                                     Feb.06,2009 

BS-IS                                                                                                   Sir.Paul Pajo

Book: Contemporary Moral Problems    

 Library Reference: none 

            Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Moral-Problems-James-White/dp/0495553204/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1233910528&sr=1-1  

                Quote: “It has been remarked, that questions of ultimate ends do not admit of proof, in the ordinary acceptation of the term.”

                What I expect to learn: The meaning of utilitarianism and the importance of it on our society  

                Review: 

                        According to the internet, Utilitarianism is the idea that the moral worth of an action is determined solely by its contribution to overall utility: that is, its contribution to happiness or pleasure as summed among all persons. It is thus a form of consequentialism, meaning that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome: put simply, the ends justify the means. Utility, the good to be maximized, has been defined by various thinkers as happiness or pleasure (versus suffering or pain), although preference utilitarians like Peter Singer define it as the satisfaction of preferences. It may be described as a life stance, with happiness or pleasure being of ultimate importance.

                        In our class, Sir. Paul Pajo explained the true meaning of utilitarianism. It had helped me understand the word Utilitarianism because honestly, at first, I have no idea of what it is all about. Now I know that it is about the majority. The decision for the greater good. It had helped me on my decision making because sometimes, i tend to be selfish and only think of myself. It had enlightened me that I could also think of others.

                What I've learned:   I have now deeply understood the true meaning of Utilitarianism that John Stuart is talking about 

                Integrative Questions:

1. To learn the "Principle of Utility"?
2. What is a utilitarian standard?
3. What is the Greatest Happiness Principle?
4. To know what is "Epicureanism"?
5. Is there a difference between higher and lower pleasures?

• State and explain the principles of utility. Show how it could be used to justify actions that are conventionally viewed as wrong, such as lying and stealing.

               Principles of Utility states that People choose that which provides greatest value (usefulness, happiness, utility). Their choices usually include consideration of other people. Things like lying and stealing are wrong because generally, most people know that it is wrong.

• ·         How does Mill reply to the objection that Epicureanism is a doctrine worthy only of swine?

 In the Article, Mill has said that he doesn’t consider the Epicureanism to have been by any means faultless in drawing out their scheme of consequences from the utilitarian principle. It is a degrading accusation for all human beings.

• How does Mill distinguish between higher and lower pleasures?

                 Higher Pleasures are like those tempting things which some people can't resist. Lower Pleasures are the like of taking care of your health, believing in the saying that "health is wealth".

• ·         According to Mill, whose happiness must be considered?

                  The happiness of the majority of the people. If doing the good things will make everyone happy, and then it is the greatest happiness of all.

• ·         Carefully reconstruct Mill’s proof of the principle of utility      

                    In my own understanding, Mill simply wants to say that if we do something, it should concern majority of the people so that many will be happy/proud of it. It also says that doing the right thing is good depending on its outcome.