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Learning Objectives
- Be familiar with the concepts of the various philosophers, philosophical traditions, and philosophical periods we have studied
- Be able to write philosophically on a variety of topics
Questions to Keep in Mind
- In David Hume’s writing in “Section II: Benevolence,” he distinguishes between public and private treatment of others. He also uses the example of a family for his point on benevolence. Why is he using this example? What is the larger point he is making?
- What does Jeremy Bentham mean by “the principle of utility”? For Bentham, how is “utility” different between an individual’s needs and that of the community?
- When John Stuart Mill discusses “utilitarianism,” he is careful to differentiate this term from “morality” and seems particularly preoccupied with the ethics of utilitarianism. Why is this the case? What is Mill’s larger point here?
Have you ever had to make an important decision yet were conflicted about what to do? Should decisions be made based upon personal wants or the larger needs of the culture? How do categories of “good” and “bad” figure into ethical decision making? These questions on ethical choices, particularly “utilitarianism” (the concept of what provides the greater good or happiness), are introduced in the following philosophy chapter.