Eddie Guggenbiller
Philosophy 202
11/28/2005
Bentham/Mill Quiz
1. When Bentham speaks of the ‘principle of utility', he is talking of an idea that can be considered along with every action. However, Bentham is not just referring to the usefulness of things or actions, but to the extent to which these things or actions promote the general happiness that is, something's utility. The utility of an object is the property that allows for it to produce pleasure and prevent pain. Thus, happiness is considered in its ability to maximize our pleasure and limit our pain. As Bentham clearly states:
By the principle of utility is meant that principle which approves or disapproves of every action whatsoever, according to the tendency which it appears to have to augment or diminish the happiness of the party whose interest is in question: or, what is the same thing in other words, to promote or to oppose that happiness. (Bentham, Pg 9)
Basically for Bentham, what is......
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