what did Mill think might motivate those reading his text to act on utilitarian principles?
(was asked of Mill in his own day)
customary morality is already felt to be binding (e.g. sense of obligation)
but that is not attached to the utilitarian principle
psychological: what might in fact motivate people to be utilitarians
and also: why anyone should feel obliged to act in accordance with utilitarianism
Mill: this problem arises for any moral theory not in line with customary morality
and will remain a problem till moral education is improved, such that utilitarianism also benefits from the various �sanctions� of morality (e.g. conscience)
sanction = source of the pleasures + pains that motivate people to act
e.g. not eating �/span> physical sanction of hunger
moral sanctions:
external = hope of favour from others, fear of their anger and sympathy for them
depend on others directly, whereas the internal sanctions do not
internal = individual�s own conscience, or sense of duty
influences of Kant and Butler
origins in the influence of others (through education etc.), but then takes on a life of its own, providing moral motivation and + concern independent of any other-regarding motivation + concern
whether innate or acquired (as Mill thought it was), it can be attached to utilitarianism
but why should we arrange moral education to favour utilitarianism?
because human beings are naturally social creatures, who desire to be in accord with one another
this basis of natural sentiment answers the psychological question of how people can be motivated to act on the basis of utilitarianism
the external + internal sanctions can both be grounded on a secure basis
could become a religion � each person sees their own happiness as no more important than any other�s
because, being the creatures we are, we shall find the greatest happiness in living lives in accordance with utilitarianism
strong desire for harmony between our/others� interests
as people are educated to become more impartial, paradoxically their lives will improve for them
(cf the higher pleasures of moral sentiments)
George: Needs work as a chemist. Is offered a job in chemical/biological weapons research � if he doesn�t take it, someone more enthusiastic will.
Jim: 20 tribesmen are to be shot. Jim is offered the privilege of shooting just one, in which case the other 19 will be set free.
Williams: agrees with utilitarianism�s conclusion for the second, but not the first. but it�s more about the way it answers the question, than the answer it gives.