Study Questions on Mill

-What is the “Greatest Happiness Principle”?

-What are the two kinds of pleasure discussed by Mill?  Which one is superior and why?

-Why does this distinction (between kinds of pleasures) matter to Mill?

-On what basis does Mill claim that his moral theory is disinterested and impartial?

-What is the “utilitarian calculus”?

-What is a “hedon,” who came up with this idea, and why does Mill reject it?

-What kind of proof does Mill give for his utilitarian principle?

-Does every person count in Mill’s calculus?  How?

-What is “preference” utilitarianism and what problem does it address in Mill’s position?

-Is is possible to account for “rights” in utilitarianism?

-What is the difference between “act” and “rule” utilitarianism and what kind of problem does this distinction address in Mill’s original view?