Psychology Assignment
John Stuart Mill, ‘Utilitarianism' (1861)
a. What is the "Greatest Happiness Principle," according to John Stuart Mill? How does he define the concept in his essay? (p.10).
b. Also, in the reading, what does Mill think about Epicurus, Epicureans, and the "Epicurean life?" What does he write about Epicurus' concept of pleasure? (p.10-11).
c. How does Mill compare pleasures in the reading? What does he mean when he writes:
"If I am asked, what I mean by difference of quality in pleasures, or what makes one pleasure more valuable than another...there is but one possible answer."
How does he answer his own question? (p.11).
(Again, find examples in the text).
d. Also, what does Mill mean by the following famous quote:
"It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied. And if the fool, or the pig, are a different opinion, it is because they only know their own side of the question. The other party to the comparison knows both sides." (p.13).
e. What does Mill mean by the terms, "competent judges," and "nobleness of character" in the essay? How do these terms relate to his ideas about happiness and utilitarianism? (13-14).
f. Finally, how might you apply Mill's theory of Utilitarianism to the world today? Can you think of any examples that relate to ethics and society? How might his ideas relate to politics and human rights? Are they beneficial or not? Also, are there any potential problems with Mill's theory? Elaborate in your answer.
Format your assignment according to the give formatting requirements:
a. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
b. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
c. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.