Philosophy 252: Ethics

Chapel Schedule

Utilitarianism

  John Stuart Mill  

1. Encyclopedia Entry. Brief encyclopedia article on Mill from The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

2. Mill's Utilitarianism. An older, but very readable, edition of Mill's fundamental defense of the utilitarian ethical theory.

3. Utilitarianism Lecture. This helpful PowerPoint presentation consists of an outline for a lecture on utilitarian theory.

4. Biography. Picture and short biographical sketch of Jeremy Bentham.

5. Bentham's Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. A thorough defense of utilitarian theory by one of its modern founders.

6. Interactive Quiz. An interesting and entertaining true/false quiz on utilitarianism.

7. Utilitarian FAQ. This provides some good basic responses to common misconceptions. However, this source should not be taken as a definitive, scholarly presentation of the theory.

8. Peter Singer. Peter Singer is a contemporary Philosopher who teaches at Princeton. He writes from a utilitarian perspective and holds controversial positions on such issues as abortion and animal rights. This article by Singer applies utilitarian thought to the issue of poverty. It is very thought provoking and raises some difficult questions for each of us.

9. Ursala Le Guin, The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas