It seems like Mill often uses the argument that 'x is not contradictory to utilitarianism because it falls under the umbrella of utilitarianism' and he does the same thing with liberty it seems. His argument makes sense. I'm a little confused as to why he's worried about freedom of action... in a utilitarian society being followed to the letter wouldn't all rational people act morally? I guess there are always those rouge irrational people running amok. He seems to be reasurring people that utilitarianism is not opposed to freedom and individuality, which is nice to read because utilitarianism sounds very robitic at times, like it's compleately about using reason and taking all the emotion (humanity?) out of ethics.
Mill also argues that society should only interfere with an individual's freedom when they are infringing the rights of another person... I think I picked up on most of the important things... see you in class tomorrow to make sure.
2 comments:
I think you are definitely right about Mill's purpose being reassurance that liberties are not compromised by utilitarianism. I think he's trying to explain that it is possible to be both utilitarian (to serve the population as a whole) while not giving up our basic liberties.
I got the same idea you did about individual freedoms only being regulated if they impede societal freedom or rights.
Yeah, I feel like it's robotic at times too....I thought he discussed that at one point...
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