Utilitarianism Mill s Theory Of Utilitarianism

Konstantin Keller Anne Portman Philosophy 2010 21 October 2015 In Chapters 2 and 4 of Utilitarianism, Mill responds and attempts to refute misconceptions and arguments against utilitarianism and further broadens his examination of happiness. Along with this he also defines the subtle differences in his own theory of utilitarianism. By claiming that it is better to be â€Å"better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied†, Mill asserts that it is better to use one’s higher capacities to be aware of the world whilst being unsatisfied than to be ignorant and naà ¯ve but blissful. In Chapter 2, Mill begins by answering the objection which claims that utility is a separate concept from pleasure and happiness. He discerns this as simply a lack of education on the objector’s part, because the concept of utility is defined as pleasure itself and the absence of pain. He assumes that this misconception arose from people hearing the word â€Å"utility† and simply inferring that it’s something cold and opposed to pleasure because of how it sounds. He then proceeds to dub utility as â€Å"the Greatest Happiness Principle,† which holds that â€Å"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.† According to this definition, pleasure and the absence of pain are the only things that are inherently â€Å"good.† Therefore,Show MoreRelatedKant And M ill s Utilitarianism Theory1316 Words   |  6 Pagesthe right thing to do? Is there even a right choice in this situation when either way someone is going to die? The theories presented by Kant and Mill seem to suggest there is. They each have their own beliefs on how you should handle the situation, and which is in fact the right choice to make. Kant’s deontological theory rests in the basis of morality. Mill’s utilitarianism theory rests in the basis of maximized happiness. So, how would they handle this situation? In the end, which is the rightRead MoreJohn Stuart Mill s Moral Theory Of Utilitarianism1514 Words   |  7 PagesStuart Mill wrote on his moral theory of Utilitarianism, which many have refuted by explaining that it failed to respect the dignity and worth of human beings. Mills theory of utility bases an actions morality on its ability to create the maximum amount of happiness. Happiness as described by Mill, is the maximization of pleasure over grief . Some critics have even said that Mill’s theory degraded humans to swine as it belittled morals to come from pleasures of the body that even animals had. Mill defendedRead MoreUtilitarianism : Theory And Contemporary Issues1350 Words   |  6 PagesIn today s society, we face many obstacles in our attempt to achieve the feeling of happiness. As intelligent beings, we try to solve these problems by taking the path that best benefits us. The theory of utilitarianism provides a solution to this but at what cost? What are the benefits and disadvantages of utilitarianism? Is utilitarianism an idea one should live by? What is utilitarianism? I plan on answering these questions within this paper and understand how they relate to everyday life. IRead MoreUtilitarianism : The Utilitarian Moral Theory Essay968 Words   |  4 PagesUtilitarianism-Module 5 1. In its general form, what is the utilitarian moral theory? In its general form, the utilitarian moral theory advocates that an action is morally right if it serves the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. 2. What is hedonism, and what is hedonistic utilitarianism? And, what was Epicurus s view about pleasure? Hedonsim is the principle that suggests that pleasure is the motivator of one’s life and hedonistic utilitarianism is when ethics is determinedRead MoreUtilitarianism, By John Stuart Mill And Utilitarianism880 Words   |  4 PagesMoral theories are sometimes hard to define, but with John Stuart Mill and Utilitarianism it is a little bit easier. Utilitarianism is an easy one, for the reason that it is defined by the greatest happiness for everyone involved. Sometimes it does not always make everyone content, but if you look at it as a whole it makes sense. Mill says that we have to look at the bigger picture. One person’s happiness affects another’s and so on. Utilitarianism is a moral theory that John Stuart Mill, the philosopherRead MoreUtilitarianism And Its Criticisms Of Utilitarianism1437 Words   |  6 PagesUtilitarianism And Its Critiques Utilitarianism is a well known consequentialist ethical theory popularized in the 19th century by a philosopher named John Stuart Mill. Mill was one of the greatest proponents of utilitarianism but many philosophers since have revealed significant flaws with his theory, one being a more contemporary philosopher named Bernard Williams. Williams has many objections with utilitarianism, which i will divulge momentarily and determine whether these objections are justifiedRead MoreAn Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation by Jeremey Bentham.1026 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is Utilitarianism? I believe that utilitarianism is the theory in which actions are right if they produce happiness and wrong if they don’t produce happiness. Happiness is what every human being look forward to. When making a decision, all possible outcomes must be ensured that it will lead to happiness. Utilitarianism is based on the principle of utility .Utility is the ability to be useful whi le satisfying needs. Utilitarianism is generally considered a moral theory that was found by JeremeyRead MoreUtilitarianism : Bentham And Mill766 Words   |  4 PagesUtilitarianism: Bentham VS. Mill Utilitarianism is a normative ethical theory that holds the morally right course of action in any given situation is the course of which yields the greatest balance of benefits over harms. More specifically, utilitarianism’s core idea is that the effects of an action determine whether actions are morally right or wrong. Created with philosophies of Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806–1873), Utilitarianism began in England in the 19th Century. Read MoreEthical Theories Of Utilitarianism By Jeremy Bentham And John Stuart Mill State1564 Words   |  7 PagesStuart Mill state that an activity is morally right on the off chance that it has a tendency to increase pleasure and morally wrong in the event that it tends to deliver the opposite of pleasure, pain – not only the pleasure of the person performing the activity but additionally that of everybody influenced by it. A theory of such is contrary to egoism, the perspective that a man ough t to go after his own particular self-interest, even to the detriment of others, and to any ethical theory that considersRead MoreThe Contributions Of John Stuart Mill1250 Words   |  5 PagesJohn Stuart Mill was a British philosopher who was born on May 20, 1806 in London, England, to Harriet Burrow and James Mill, a noted economist, philosopher and historian. James Mill was an educated man who was heavily involved in an early 19th century movement called philosophic radicalism, a school of thought also known as Utilitarianism, which highlighted the demand for a scientific foundation for philosophy, as well as a humanist approach to economics politics. It was this foundation from

Plath’s Daddy Essay Clusters of Images - 651 Words

Clusters of Images in Daddynbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; Imagery in literature provides the writer with an instrument for establishing a viewpoint or perspective. The author can use an unlimited amount of symbols, similes, and metaphors that produce an atmosphere for the reader to visualize the story effectively. In the poem Daddy, written by Sylvia Plath, the author utilizes numerous clusters of images to represent the fury and wrath of a crazed woman haunted by her fathers frightening and domineering disposition. Plath uses this imagery to depict the emotional chaos controlling fathers inflict on their offspring. One of the most prominent groups of images Plath uses to show the turmoil and fear the narrator feels†¦show more content†¦In line 43, the neat moustache and Aryan eye compares her father with Adolf Hitler, the most ruthless, evil man in history. Panzer-man (l. 45) implies her father was like one of the most feared military machines, an armored tank producing a mind-chilling sound when approaching its target. She also says he is not God but a swastika (l. 46), the flag which signifies pure hatred. The speaker continues her assault with images of a devils hoofs and a demon-like vampire. The affiliation of the vampire to her father is an image that still haunts her day after day until she finally kills him, driving a stake in his fat black heart (l. 75). The mind-numbing emotions these images instill can rip apart any humans sanity. Plath focuses on images with somber and dreary shades of color that enable her to create a dismal backdrop for the poem. The narrator uses the color black throughout the poem to depict her father as a wicked man. She mentions a model she made of her father as, A man in black, with a Meinkampf look (l. 65). Here, Plath uses a German word that reminds the reader again of the Nazi empire. The color black associates the father with death and destruction. In the beginning of the poem, an image of a black shoe in which I have lived like a foot (l. 2) is mentioned. Consequently, the shoe is the fathers web, manipulating the speakers awareness. Line 47 describes the sky

The Contribution of Functionalist Sociology to an...

The Contribution of Functionalist Sociology to an Understanding of the Role of Education in Society Works Cited Missing Schools serve a function in a complex industrial society that family and peer groups cannot ( Durkheim,1956) Education is important in society. The structure and processes of education systems are related to the general process of socialisation. All sociologists agree with this, but sociologists have many different views about how societies are structured. They have many different views about the role of education in society. The following research will focus on the role of education from a Functionalist, Marxist and an Interactionalist s perspective. Functionalists think of education†¦show more content†¦Also, if a child is attending private school, it does not necessarily mean that the child will be of better conduct. Also, a child maybe placed into the wrong set for a subject, if this happens their intelligence may not be able to flourish, or, if a child is put into a higher set which is too advanced for them, they may feel negative as they struggle with the work, or perhaps embarrassed to ask for help if all the other children understand. On the other hand, it may create a positive influence and encourage the individual to work harder and challenge the fellow students. This is the functionalist idea of a self fulfilling prophecy, so that a student could start to believe and make impossible situations possible. According to functionalism, our status is achieved through exams. Parsons argues that everyone is treated the same way and everyone has the same chance to succeed, therefore those that achieve most in school do so due to their effort and ability and will benefit the society as a whole and will fill the best jobs available. However, Marxist Bowles and Gintis found that students that were creative and independent achieved lower grades which meant these qualities being overlooked. Students who were punctual and dependable would become teachers favourites just because the creative and independent students did not like the way in which there education and work isShow MoreRelatedThe Contribution of Functionalist Sociology to an Understanding of the Role of Education in Society2234 Words   |  9 PagesThe Contribution of Functionalist Sociology to an Understanding of the Role of Education in Society Functionalists have constructed two questions to help them research education. The first question is. What are the functions of education for society as a whole? and the second question is. What are the functional relationships between the education system and other parts of the social system. Firstly, Functionalism is a theory. A theory based on â€Å"value consensus†Read MoreThe Impact of Sociological Theories in Education1674 Words   |  7 PagesThe Impact of Sociological Theories in Education Crystal Taylor-Johnson SOC101: Introduction to Sociology Professor Christine Henderson November 22, 2010 Education is the most important part of a person’s life. Without a good education people would struggle in everyday life just to be able to get by. There are three theories that help understand education. Even though most people feel theories are just someone’s opinions, education has many different theories that support it because these theoriesRead MoreThe Classroom : The Dynamics Of The Hidden Curriculum, By Henry Giroux And Anthony Penna1951 Words   |  8 PagesIn the article â€Å"Social Education in the Classroom: The Dynamics of the Hidden Curriculum,† Henry Giroux and Anthony Penna discuss three approaches to educational theory that have helped to illuminate the socializing role of schools and the meaning and structure of the hidden curriculum. In this article those three theories are labeled structional-functional view, phenomenological view, and radical critical view (often associated with the neo-Marxist analysis of educational theory and practice). EachRead MoreThe Biopsychosocial Model Of Health1824 Words   |  8 Pageswithin health and illness the mind and body cannot be classed as two separate matters because both influence a person’s state of health. The biomedical model of medicine was introduced in the nineteen century. It adopts a scientific approach in understanding health and illness (disease).The biological model indicates that social and psychological processes are vastly unrelated to the development of diseases or illness. That is, it describes illness in terms of a biological malfunction and not psychologicalRead MoreEvery sociological perspective has its limitations. However some are more useful than understanding society. Assess this view. (40 Marks)1087 Words   |  5 Pagesdiscipline of sociology. Functionalism is a structural theory they argue that society is made up of interrelated and interdependent institutions such as education, work, religion, law, the family etc. The main function of these institutions is to maintain social equilibrium. They see society similar to a human body with all the internal parts working together to bring out equilibrium. Functionalists see individual action as the product of social institutions such as the family and education socializingRead MoreA Study Of The Development, Structure, And Functioning Of Human Society909 Words   |  4 PagesAlain Dumas Professor Mackinnon Sociology 111 December 9, 2015 Sociology is the study of the development, structure, and functioning of human society. In other words, it is the study of social problems. We study sociology today â€Å"to see a larger social context of the lives we are living, and in this way give both understanding and meaning to personal experiences† (Personal Experiences and Public Issues). C. Wright Mills, an American sociologist, coined the term sociological imagination. HavingRead MoreEssay on Sociological Perspectives to Understand Society2017 Words   |  9 PagesEXPLAIN HOW SOCIOLOGISTS ATTEMPT TO UNDERSTAND SOCIETY. The main aim of sociology is to seek an understanding or explanation as to how society functions or operates. There are numerous sociological theories, some dating back as early as the 19th century, these include Structural and Marxist Functionalism and Social Action theories. Throughout the years these perspectives have gradually been modernised due to the changes that have occurred in society. In this assignment I shall be looking at the keyRead MoreMarxism And Functionalism : Society And Sport Essay1658 Words   |  7 PagesFunctionalism through society and sport, highlighting the benefits and problems. Both, Marxism and Functionalism are sets of ideas trying to provide an explanation for human society and how it operates. Marxism and Functionalism are both related to a structural view of sociology. That is according to Giddens observable patterns of behavior within a society that shapes the individual due to so many different influences on a person’s daily social interaction. The structural view of society belongs to theRead More Sociology of Racial and Cultural Groups Essay1431 Words   |  6 Pagesperspectives offer theoretical paradigms for explaining how society influences people, taking into account the social factors that impact on human behavior. However, different theories, ideas, and prejudices can influence a sociologists conclusions. Each of these theories has a contribution to make with a distinct focus. Functional theory was influenced by Emile Durkheim. Adherents of this theory emphasize, Various parts of society have functions or positive effects that promote solidarityRead MoreMajor Theoretical Sociological Perspectives: Similarities and Differences2432 Words   |  10 PagesMajor Theoretical Sociological Perspectives: Similarities and Differences Sociology: the scientific study of the development, structure and functioning of human society (Oxford). When the topic of discussion is sociology, Auguste Comte, the â€Å"father of positivism† would come to mind, as it was he who first coined the term â€Å"sociology† (Kreis, 2009). Comte also emphasized that the study of society must be scientific and he pushed sociologists to employ the use of qualitative methods such as observation

Anthem for Doomed Youth free essay sample

The two poems â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† by Wilfred Owen and â€Å"Vergissmeinnicht† By Keith Douglas fall under the genre of â€Å"War Poetry† and explore similar themes, including the effects of war, love, and death. I intend to analyse both the poems’ structure and content to explore these themes and explain why and how the poets have portrayed them in verse. â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† takes the form of a Petrarchan sonnet due to its stanzaic structure of an octet succeeded by a sestet; however it follows a rhyme scheme more closely associated with a Shakespearean sonnet, abab cdcd, effe gg. However, instead of using a heroic rhyme scheme of abab for the lines: What candles may be held to speed them all? Not in the hands of boys but in their eyes Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes. The pallor of girls brows shall be their pall; he uses a rhyme enclosure of abba, possibly to differentiate between this poem and other poems which use the Shakespearean rhyme scheme, which are often concerned with the semantic field of love. We will write a custom essay sample on Anthem for Doomed Youth or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In this poem doomed love is an overriding theme, the poem itself is an â€Å"elegy, a lament for the dead. (Simcox) Therefore, Owen’s aim to askew the traditional theme of a sonnet is complimented by his variation on the traditional rhyme scheme. Religion is also an overriding theme of this poem and Owen chooses to intercut references to war with to religious imagery, â€Å"Nor any voice of mourning save the choirs- / The shrill, demented choirs of wailing shells. † With the first line Owen conjures the image of a choir singing hymns in a church or similar setting, while in the second line it’s as if Owen is making a correction to the preceding line, contrasting the original image with one concerned with the heat of battle. These two lines, and examples elsewhere in the poem, suggest that Owen considered religion irrelevant to what was happening during the First World War. This viewpoint is backed up by a letter he sent to his mother in 1912, â€Å"All theological lore is growing distasteful to me. † (Stallworthy 75) â€Å"Vergissmeinnicht† (Translation: â€Å"Forget Me Not†) unlike â€Å"Anthem† follows a less identifiable structure, consisting of six stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme consists of two rhyme couplets per stanza but often makes use of half rhymes so as to make the poem more difficult to read: Look. Here in the gunpit spoil he dishonoured picture of his girl who has put: Steffi. Vergissmeinnicht in a copybook gothic script. It is possible that Douglas intentionally makes the poem difficult to read so as to mirror the idea that the soldier, from whose perspective the poem is written, finds it difficult to look at the other soldier on the ground. It cou ld also be argued that the rhyme scheme is unstable because â€Å"Like the rhyme scheme, war is unstable. † (Birkshire) Tying in with this concept is the syllabic count of each line which keeps to a constant eight or nine syllables per line. However there is a deviance to this rule twice in the poem, in line 9, â€Å"Look. Here in the gunpit spoil,† and line 21, â€Å"For here the lover and killer are mingled. † Line 9 consists of only seven syllables possible because of the feeling of surprise exhibited in the line, the shorter line length suggests that the Douglas is trying to instil the soldier’s shock into the structure of the line. Line 11 is eleven syllables long as it is arguably the most important line in the poem and as such, must stand out, because it places Steffi (lover) and the soldier (killer) under the same metaphorical spotlight and invites the reader to compare their reactions to the image of the dead soldier. Birkshire goes on to suggest that the organised syllabic count is supposed to reflect the organised aspects of the military and thus, in tying in with the unpredictable rhyme scheme, the poem represents both the unpredictable and organised aspects of war. â€Å"Anthem’s† syllabic count is even more structured than that of â€Å"Vergissmeinnicht. † Four lines don’t comply with the strict iambic pentameter associated with sonnets, these are: Line 1, â€Å"What passing bells for those who die as cattle? Line 2, â€Å"- Only the monstrous anger of the guns. Line3, â€Å"Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle. † Line 10, â€Å"Not in the hands of boys but in their eyes. † Line 1 differs from the iambic pentameter as it has eleven syllables as opposed to the expected ten. This is due to the polysyllabic nature of the word â€Å"cattle. † Owen had originally used the term â€Å"in herds† as the final words of that line and à ¢â‚¬Å"rattled words† at the end of line three but was â€Å"[dissatisfied] with the first and third lines. (Stallworthy 219) As a result â€Å"in herds† was changed to â€Å"as cattle† so as to fit into the abba rhyme scheme along with â€Å"rapid rattle† in line three. Line 3 does not fit the convention of the iambic pentameter as it has six feet instead of the standard five. The reason for this is to use onomatopoeia to give the line the phonetic form akin to gun fire, and the extended length of the line is to convey the extended and continuous nature of said gun fire on the battlefield. Another reason for line 3 not fitting the convention, and also the reason for line 2 being an exception is the trochaic foot of the repeated word â€Å"Only. † This technique is used by Owen to bring the reader’s attention to the word as it indicates that the following words are in response to the rhetorical question in line 1. Similarly the same reason for line 10’s opening foot â€Å"Not in† being a trochee is to indicate an answer being supplied for the rhetorical question contained in line 9. Douglas employs the use of enjambment a lot throughout â€Å"Vergissmeinnicht,† Three weeks gone and the combatants gone eturning over the nightmare ground we found the place again, and found the soldier sprawling in the sun. And The frowing barrel of his gun overshadowing. As we came on that day, he hit my tank with one like the entry of a demon. The lines above, which are just two sets of run-on sentences, is an example of enjambment in the poem. This tec hnique is used to signify the on-going nature of war. This is in contrast with the setting of the poem, in a field three weeks after a battle has taken place. It brings to mind the old notion of even though the battle is won the war goes on and contrasts with the aftermath tone of the poem. In comparison â€Å"Anthem† uses enjambment only twice, â€Å"Only the stuttering rifles’ rapid rattle / Can patter out their hasty orisons / No mockeries now for them; no prayers nor bells† and â€Å"Not in the hands of boys but in their eyes / Shall shine the holy glimmers of goodbyes. † The poem’s reluctance to use enjambment may stem from its theme of finality, and thus most lines end with a punctuation mark to signify that it is indeed over. The exceptions listed above may occur so as to make it clear that they are the answers to the rhetorical questions in lines one and nine. The two poems explore a similar subject matter in different ways, they both explore the theme of love in the context of war but whereas â€Å"Anthem for Doomed Youth† is a sonnet which questions the role religious customs play in preserving the memory of someone who has died, â€Å"Vergissmeinnicht† ponders how a death can be received differently by two different people. They both also use imagery extensively to bring the reader under their influence.