Essay - Mill�s �proof� of utilitarianism and problems of measurement

Greg Detre

Tuesday, 16 May, 2000

Mill essay III - Dr Tasioulas

What is the aim of Mill�s �proof�?

Set out and analyse its steps Does the proof work?

Is the utilitarian injunction to maximise utility threatened by: the existence of an irreducible plurality of values; or the difficulty (or impossibility) of interpersonal comparisons of utility?

our values are relative to each other, let alone people�s values relative to other people