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Essay Assignment In chapter one of Utilitarianism, Mill says Kant . . . lay[s] down a universal first principle as the origin and ground of moral obligation; it is this; "So act that the rule on which thou actest would admit of being adopted as a law by all rational beings." But when he begins to deduce from this precept any of the actual duties of morality, he fails, almost grotesquely, to show that there would be any contradiction; any logical (not to say physical) impossibility, in the adoption by all rational beings of the most outrageously immoral rules of conduct. All he shows is that the consequences of their universal adoption would be such as no one would choose to incur. In chapter five of Utilitarianism, Mill says When Kant . . . propounds as the fundamental principle of morals, “So act that thy rule of conduct might be adopted as a law by all rational beings,” he virtually acknowledges that the interest of mankind collectively, or at least of mankind indiscriminately, must be in the mind of the agent when conscientiously deciding on the morality of the act. Otherwise he uses words without a meaning; for that a rule even of utter selfishness could not possibly be adopted by all rational beings – that there is any insuperable obstacle in the nature of things to its adoption – cannot be even plausibly maintained. To give any meaning to Kant’s principle, the sense put upon it must be that we ought to shape our conduct by the rule which all rational beings might adopt with benefit to their collective interest. Explain Mill's complaint in the first quote. In what context does it occur? Why does he bring it up? Explain Mill's complaint in the second quote. In what context does it occur? Why does he bring it up? Write a 1500 word essay in which you answer the preceding questions and evaluate the criticisms Mill makes in these quotes. In the process of doing so, you will need to engage Kant's position. Minimally, you will have to discuss the universalization formulation of the categorical imperative and how it applies to perfect duties and imperfect duties. You should also explain how Mill understands the collective interest and say something about whether or not you think Kant needs to acknowledge or should acknowledge anything like what Mill refers to as the collective interest. Defend your position. The paper should be double spaced and have one inch margins all the way around. A title page is optional. Since I mark blind, please do not place your name anywhere on the paper. Be sure to place your student number followed by the initial of your last name somewhere on the front page. Any widely used referencing format is acceptable. In other words, footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical citations are all fine; just pick a style, and use it consistently and correctly. Refer to section and paragraph numbers where appropriate. I wish you good luck and an enjoyable philosophical experience! Due date: |