Greg Detre
Monday, 29 May, 2000
Prof. Tasioulas
Ultimate ends cannot be proved by reasoning. But matters of fact can be tested by the senses. Is there anything analogous to such a test in the case of ends?
An end is something that is desirable. The utilitarian view is that happiness is the only thing desirable. What is required for this doctrine to be accepted?
Visibility is tested by sight; desirability is tested by desire. The fact that each person desires his own happiness is sufficient proof that the general happiness is desirable.
Problem: people seem to desire things other than happiness (e.g. virtue)
Utilitarianism accepts that virtue is desired for its own sake - but as part of happiness
The same can be said of money, for example
According to utilitarianism, the cultivation of virtue is more important than anything for the general happiness
Therefore, nothing is desired except happiness. People desire virtue either because the consciousness of it is pleasurable, or because consciousness of its absence is painful.
Therefore, if human beings do desire nothing other than happiness, utilitarianism will be proven
Introspection will demonstrate that thinking of a thing as desirable and thinking of it as pleasant are the same
One can will virtuous actions indepently of thinking them pleasurable. But this is not a problem for the proof, since what arises from habit has no claim to being good. Habitual virute is merely a means to what is good in itself.
Then, if the doctrine that pleasure alone is good is true, utilitarianism is proven.
desirable - Worth having or wishing for; causing desire; to be desired