What is Utilitarianism? | John Stuart Mill on Utilitarianism

Summary

The video script explores the ethical dilemmas of the trolley problem and the fat man problem, introducing utilitarianism as a framework for decision-making. It discusses John Stuart Mill's essay on utilitarianism, emphasizing the greatest happiness principle, which equates right actions with those promoting happiness and reducing pain. The script clarifies misconceptions about utility and pleasure, highlighting the importance of considering overall world happiness. It also addresses critiques, suggesting that even self-sacrificing acts are motivated by happiness, albeit for others, not the individual. The video invites viewers to consider the implications of utilitarianism and share their thoughts.

Takeaways

• 🚂 The Trolley Problem is an ethical dilemma where one must decide between sacrificing one person or five to save the others from a runaway trolley.
• 🤔 The script critiques the Trolley Problem for being abstract and impersonal, suggesting that it's designed to favor a utilitarian outcome.
• 🧘 The Fat Man Problem is presented as a counterpoint, requiring a more personal involvement and thus leading to a more thoughtful decision-making process.
• 📚 Utilitarianism is explained through John Stuart Mill's essay, which clarifies misconceptions and emphasizes the importance of utility connected to pleasure and the lessening of pain.
• 🎯 Mill's concept of 'greatest happiness principle' is introduced, stating that actions are morally right to the extent they promote happiness and wrong if they produce the opposite.
• 🤝 Human pleasure is not limited to basic desires but includes intellectual and emotional satisfactions, showing the breadth of what humans consider pleasurable.
• 🌐 The quality of pleasures is subjective, and Mill suggests that the more desirable pleasure is the one preferred by most people who have experienced both options.
• 🌟 Utilitarianism is not selfish; it considers the overall happiness of all concerned parties, not just the individual performing the action.
• 👥 While utilitarianism considers the impact on the world, it is practical to focus on the happiness of those directly involved in the action.
• 🤓 Mill addresses critiques by arguing that even self-sacrifices and martyrdom are aimed at promoting happiness, albeit not necessarily the individual's own.
• 💭 The script encourages viewers to question the foundational belief of utilitarianism: that happiness and the avoidance of pain are the ultimate ends of all actions.

Q & A

What is the trolley problem?

The trolley problem is a famous ethical dilemma where a person must decide whether to pull a lever to change the path of a trolley away from five people and onto one person, or do nothing, leaving the five people at risk.

What is the 'fat man' problem?

The 'fat man' problem is a variation of the trolley problem where one can stop the trolley by pushing a fat man in front of it, thereby saving five others. It involves a more personal involvement in the decision-making process.

What does utilitarianism focus on?

Utilitarianism focuses on the concept of utility, which is connected to pleasure and the lessening of pain. It is based on the belief that the ultimate ends of all actions are happiness and the avoidance of pain.

What is the greatest happiness principle?

The greatest happiness principle, as explained by John Stuart Mill, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness and wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.

How does Mill differentiate between different types of pleasures?

Mill differentiates between different types of pleasures by suggesting that if there is a clear preference for one pleasure over another by most or all who have experienced both, that is the more desirable pleasure.

Why does Mill argue that human pleasure is not limited to animalistic desires?

Mill argues that human pleasure is not limited to animalistic desires because humans also gain pleasure from intellectual, emotional, and social activities, such as learning, helping others, and achieving goals.

What does Mill say about the scope of our moral considerations?

Mill suggests that when attempting a good action, we should consider the overall pleasure in the world, but in practice, we only need to consider the effect of our actions on those who are actually involved.

How does Mill address the critique that some actions seem to contradict the pursuit of happiness?

Mill addresses this critique by stating that actions that seem to contradict the pursuit of happiness, such as sacrifices or martyrdom, are actually done for the happiness of others, not for one's own happiness.

What is the main critique of utilitarianism presented in the script?

The main critique presented in the script is that happiness and the avoidance of pain may not be the ultimate ends of all our actions, as evidenced by people who make sacrifices or act as martyrs.

Why does the script recommend reading the source material for a deeper understanding of utilitarianism?

The script recommends reading the source material for a deeper understanding of utilitarianism because it provides a more nuanced and comprehensive view of the philosophy, beyond the simplified explanations and critiques presented in the video.

What does the script suggest about the ethical dilemmas presented?

The script suggests that ethical dilemmas like the trolley problem and the fat man problem are designed to provoke thought about utilitarianism and moral philosophy, and that they highlight the complexities involved in making ethical decisions.

Outlines

00:00

🤔 The Trolley Problem and Utilitarianism

The paragraph introduces the famous ethical dilemma known as the trolley problem, where a choice must be made between sacrificing one person or five. It contrasts this with the 'fat man problem', highlighting the personal involvement in decision-making. The narrator expresses skepticism about the trolley problem's abstraction and its tendency to favor a utilitarian outcome. The discussion then shifts to utilitarianism, emphasizing the works of John Stuart Mill over Jeremy Bentham. Mill's perspective on utility is explored, where utility is linked to pleasure and the reduction of pain, rather than mere efficiency. The paragraph concludes with an introduction to Mill's 'greatest happiness principle', which posits that actions are morally right to the extent they promote happiness, defined as pleasure and the absence of pain.

05:00

📚 Mill's Utilitarianism: Beyond Pleasure

This paragraph delves deeper into Mill's utilitarianism, clarifying that it's not solely about personal pleasure but about the overall happiness in the world. Mill argues that the quality of pleasures should be considered, with higher quality pleasures being those preferred by most who have experienced them. The paragraph also addresses the misconception that utilitarianism is a selfish philosophy by explaining that it encourages considering the impact of actions on all concerned parties, not just oneself. The narrator suggests that while the philosophy might seem demanding, it actually allows for a focus on the immediate circle of affected individuals rather than an abstract global impact. The paragraph ends with a teaser about addressing critiques of utilitarianism, inviting viewers to explore the topic further through Mill's original work.

Keywords

💡Trolley Problem

The Trolley Problem is a thought experiment in ethics that presents a dilemma where a person must decide between two morally unacceptable alternatives. In the video, it's used to introduce the concept of ethical decision-making, where the dilemma is to choose between saving five people or one by pulling a lever to change the path of a trolley. This problem sets the stage for discussing utilitarianism and its application in ethical dilemmas.

💡Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that promotes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. The video discusses this concept through the lens of John Stuart Mill's essay, emphasizing that actions are judged right or wrong based on their contribution to overall happiness. It's central to the video's exploration of ethical decision-making and is contrasted with other ethical philosophies.

💡Greatest Happiness Principle

The Greatest Happiness Principle, as articulated by Mill, is a core component of utilitarianism. It posits that actions are morally right to the extent they promote happiness. The video explains this principle as a guide for ethical decision-making, suggesting that the moral worth of an action is determined by its impact on overall happiness, not just individual pleasure.

💡Pleasure

Pleasure, in the context of the video, is a fundamental concept in utilitarianism, linked to the idea that the presence of pleasure and absence of pain are the ultimate goals of human actions. The video clarifies that pleasure is not just physical but also includes intellectual and moral satisfaction, which is crucial for understanding the breadth of utilitarian ethics.

💡Quality of Pleasures

The 'quality of pleasures' is a concept discussed by Mill to differentiate between higher and lower pleasures. The video uses this to address the complexity of choosing between different types of pleasures, suggesting that the more desirable pleasure is the one preferred by most who have experienced both, which is a nuanced approach to ethical decision-making within utilitarianism.

💡Fat Man Problem

The Fat Man Problem is another ethical dilemma presented in the video, similar to the Trolley Problem but with a more personal involvement. It's used to contrast the impersonal nature of the Trolley Problem and to highlight the challenges in ethical decision-making when personal involvement is high, thus deepening the discussion on utilitarianism.

💡Continuism

Continuism is mentioned in the video as a philosophy that might be highlighted by ethical dilemmas like the Trolley Problem. Although not elaborated upon, it suggests a focus on the continuity of actions and their consequences, which could be relevant to the utilitarian consideration of the long-term effects of actions on happiness.

💡John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill is a prominent philosopher whose essay on utilitarianism is referenced in the video. Mill's work is used to explain and defend utilitarianism, addressing misconceptions and providing a more nuanced view of the theory. His ideas are central to the video's exploration of utilitarian ethics.

💡Martyr

The concept of a 'martyr' is introduced in the video to discuss self-sacrifice and its place within utilitarian ethics. It challenges the idea that all actions are motivated by personal happiness, suggesting that some actions are done for the happiness of others, which is an important consideration in the utilitarian framework.

💡Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical dilemmas are situations that require a choice between options that involve moral conflict or difficulty. The video uses the Trolley Problem and the Fat Man Problem to explore ethical dilemmas, demonstrating how utilitarianism can be applied to resolve such conflicts by maximizing overall happiness.

Highlights

The trolley problem is a famous ethical dilemma involving a choice between sacrificing one person or many.

The fat man problem is a variation that requires a more personal involvement to save lives.

Utilitarianism is often highlighted in these dilemmas, focusing on the greatest good for the greatest number.

John Stuart Mill's essay on utilitarianism clarifies misconceptions and explains the theory's principles.

Utility in utilitarianism is linked to pleasure and the lessening of pain, not just efficiency.

The greatest happiness principle states that actions are right in proportion as they promote happiness.

Human pleasure is not limited to basic desires but includes intellectual and social pleasures.

The quality of pleasures is a consideration in utilitarianism, favoring those preferred by most who have experienced both.

Utilitarian actions consider the overall pleasure in the world, not just personal pleasure.

Good actions in utilitarianism are intended for the benefit of individuals, which collectively make up the world's good.

Critiques of utilitarianism are addressed, including the argument that some actions are not driven by happiness.

Mill argues that even sacrifices and martyrdom are ultimately for the happiness of others, not just personal gain.

The video encourages viewers to question the foundational belief of utilitarianism: that happiness and pain avoidance are the ultimate ends of all actions.

The video concludes by inviting viewers to share their thoughts on utilitarianism and to engage with the source material.

The importance of considering the broader implications of actions in ethical decision-making is emphasized.

The video uses humor and relatable examples to make complex philosophical concepts accessible.

Transcripts

man I hate the trolley problem for those

of you at the Loop the trolley problem

is probably the most famous ethical

dilemma there's a trolley involved in

its barreling down I like that word

barreling it's barreling down the tracks

towards five people tied up now there's

another Trek here which has only one

person tied up but they're safe for now

since the lever needs to be flipped to

change the tracks but there you are with

that look of anxiety on your face with

the lever in hand the question is do you

pull the lever to change the tracks away

from the five people and onto the one

person the reason that I'm not

personally a big fan of this dilemma is

that it's very abstract and seems

designed in a way to favor flipping the

lever because the whole thing is kind of

impersonal you see another dilemma given

to counter the trolley problem is the

fat man problem same thing here with the

trolley heading towards five people but

you can stop the trolley by pushing a

fat man in front of it which will save

the five others here there's a much more

personal involvement making the decision

much more thoughtful in my opinion

regardless ethical dilemmas like these

often highlight a certain unethical

philosophy that of utilitarianism and

continuism but that's another video

but aside from all the memes and general

understandings what is utilitarianism

and how can we apply it to these ethical

dilemmas to answer this we'll be looking

at Jon Stewart Mill's essay on

utilitarianism

foreign

why we aren't using Jeremy Bentham since

he came before Mill and uh that's why

but in all seriousness Mill is using

this essay not only to explain what

utilitarianism is but also to clear up

some misconceptions that have

unintendedly Arisen from Bentham plus I

don't trust anyone who chooses to end up

like this so mill first addresses this

word utility it could sound cold and

robotic only really focusing on

efficiency but this is a

misunderstanding of the word Tamil and

other utilitarians utility is connected

to pleasure and the lessening of pain

those who know anything about the matter

are aware that every writer who

maintained the theory of utility meant

by it not something to be Contra

distinguished from pleasure but pleasure

itself together with exemption from pain

so even if we often think of utility as

usefulness or efficiency or practicality

instead think of pleasure but that's

obviously not the entire story we can't

just say utilitarianism is all about

pleasure else it sounds kind of basic

thankfully Mill points us towards

something called the greatest happiness

principle which he believes is not only

at the heart of utilitarianism but all

morals utility or the greatest happiness

principle holds that actions are right

in proportion as they tend to promote

happiness wrong as they tend to produce

the reverse of Happiness by happiness is

intended pleasure and the absence of

Pain by unhappiness pain and the

privation of pleasure utilitarianism is

based on the belief that pleasure and

the Freedom From Pain are really the

only desirable ends in life I mean ask

yourself right now is there anything you

do that hasn't been done either to

mitigate pain or to gain pleasure if

such a list of activities exist it'd

probably be very small now some people

would say come on to say that pleasure

in the absence of pain are the only real

ends in life is to make us humans look

like animals well first off we

technically are animals but Mill also

points out that human pleasure is not

limited to our animalistic desires sure

we get pleasure from eating sleeping and

engaging in an activity that starts with

an S and ends in an X which I can't talk

about because YouTube will demonetize

this video but humans also gain pleasure

from the Finer Things in life not to

sound pretentious or anything there's

pleasure in learning and helping others

and achieving a goal and simply working

towards a goal and the list goes on so

let's not equate humans to pigs when we

talk about Pleasures as ends because as

humans pleasure is pretty broad for us

the next issue of contention regards the

quality of Pleasures so okay Jon Stewart

Mill who somehow is allowed to have a

middle name acknowledged unlike other

philosophers if good actions promote

happiness and pleasure and reduce pain

what if you're deciding between two

different pleasures and you can only

choose one how do we decide which

pleasure we should pursue of two

Pleasures if there be one to which all

or almost all who have experience of

both give a decided preference

irrespective of any feeling of moral

obligation to prefer it that is the more

desirable pleasure so let's say we're

deciding between a trip to Hawaii way or

a trip to London these are our two

Pleasures in question we take a group of

people which have been to both Hawaii

and London and see which they prefer

which is obviously going to be Hawaii

and that would tell us what the higher

quality pleasure is but if there's no

unanimous consensus then we just

consider what the majority prefers it's

almost Democratic in a sense now the

next important thing Mill wants us to

know about utilitarianism is that when

we attempt a good action we don't just

consider our pleasure we consider the

overall pleasure in the world because if

utilitarianism was just concerned about

our own pleasure it may be the most

selfish and cruel philosophy out there

instead we need to consider the effect

of our action on overall pleasure in the

world the happiness which forms the

utilitarian standard of what is right in

conduct is not the agent's own happiness

but that of all concerned now you may

hear this and think alright so every

action I do should be judged based on

its effect on the entire world so if I

go to Panda Express and get some honey

walnut shrimp I should consider

something as disconnected as a random

businessman in Sydney Australia do I

really have to consider the entire world

when I try to act good thankfully no and

it'd kind of be impossible for any

system of Ethics to really make you

consider the effect of your actions on

the entire world because the world is so

big and complicated and most importantly

unknown for the most part thankfully

utilitarianism lets us consider the

effect of our actions only on those who

are actually involved the great majority

of good actions are intended not for the

benefit of the world but for that of

individuals of which the good of the

world is made up and the thoughts of the

most virtuous man need not on these

occasions travel beyond the particular

person's concerned so now that Mill has

laid out a pretty good idea of what

utilitarianism is he does address many

critiques of this system now to be

honest some of these critiques are kind

of bad like so bad that you'd probably

consider it a waste of time like is it

really a critique to say that

utilitarians are cold is that really

something we should use our precious

time on this Earth to talk about so out

of respect for your time we'll look at

one that actually seems interesting but

as always I highly recommend that you

read The Source material yourself if

this stuff interests you Mill addresses

a group of critiques that claim that

people can do without happiness

happiness pleasure and the avoidance of

pain are not really the end goal of all

our actions because if that were the

case how do you explain people who make

sacrifices or people who are Martyrs for

some cause where is the happiness for

that person the answer to this is fairly

simple those people act not for their

own happiness but for the happiness of

others the end is still happiness just

not their own happiness would the

sacrifice be made if the hero or martyr

did not believe that it would earn for

others immunity from similar sacrifices

so if you want to critique

utilitarianism I suggest doing so by

questioning the very thing that Mill is

trying to protect its foundational

belief the belief that happiness and the

avoidance of pain are the ultimate ends

to all our actions but maybe that belief

is irrefutable what do you think anyways

thanks for hanging out with me and Mill

I'm sure he's happy that his essay is

being read long after he's then Buried

buried unlike some utilitarians share

your thoughts on utilitarianism below

because this will probably be a hot

button topic if you enjoyed the video

then like subscribe and hit the bell and

with that I wish you all a beautiful

rest of your day

foreign

[Music]