University of Kansas, Fall 2002
Philosophy 672: History of Ethics
Ben Eggleston
Test—Mill
Please answer the following questions in the time allotted, without the use
of books, notes, or other people. The last question is a bonus question, not
among the questions given to you in advance.
- (15 points): Mill neither thoroughly defends nor thoroughly condemns common-sense
morality. What is relationship does Mill perceive there to be between common-sense morality and
utilitarianism that makes Mill have some appreciation for common-sense
morality, and in what way(s) does Mill regard common-sense morality as
deficient or in need of utilitarian correction?
- (10 points:) How rigorous a proof does Mill think it’s possible to provide
in defense of utilitarianism? (Note that this question is not about the
content of Mill’s proof, but is about what sort of proof Mill thinks is even
possible in regard to theories of final ends, such as utilitarianism, and what
sort of proof(s) Mill regards rival theorists as having given for their
theories.)
- (15 points:) What does Mill say are the two replies that utilitarians can
give in order to answer the “doctrine worthy only of swine” objection?
- (15 points:) What is Mill’s doctrine of the higher and lower pleasures (7
points), and what is the standard objection to this doctrine (8 points)?
- (10 points:) What moral significance does Mill attach to the motive
by which an act is done? (Can someone act rightly from a “bad” motive?)
- (15 points:) What are the two most commonly cited problems with Mill’s
“proof” of the principle of utility?
- (10 points:) What, according to Mill, makes an act one of wrongdoing and
not just inexpediency (5 points), and what further condition does Mill say
must be satisfied in order for an act of wrongdoing to be one of injustice (5
points)?
- (10 points:) How, according to Mill, does a rule of morality get the
status of a rule of justice instead of being a non-justice-related rule
of morality?
- Who are some of the historical figures or previous moral philosophers
whose ethical views were, according to Mill, implicitly utilitarian? For
naming one you will get 1 point; for naming two you will get a total of 4
points; and for naming three or more you will get a total of 5 points.