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Chapter 3 – Liberalism, Part 2. Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism emerges in 1800 as a new approach to Classical Liberalism Jeremy Bentham James Mill John Stuart Mill The Social Contract Theory of Hobbes & Locke was the first approach to Classical Liberalism. Utilitarianism (con ’ t).
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Utilitarianism • Utilitarianism emerges in 1800 as a new approach to Classical Liberalism • Jeremy Bentham • James Mill • John Stuart Mill • The Social Contract Theory of Hobbes & Locke was the first approach to Classical Liberalism.
Utilitarianism (con’t) • Requires that political institutions should achieve “the greatest good for the greatest number of people.” • Maximize utility (by helping people maximize long-term pleasure and minimize pain). • Consistent with Smith’s laissez-faire liberalism • Extending the franchise was required, to help achieve the greatest good, for the greatest number of people. • Concerned with “progress” and a better society
John Stuart Mill and the Liberal Tradition • John Stuart Mill began as a utilitarian who felt that one should be left alone so long as his actions do not cause harm to others. • Mill was haunted by majority tyranny like Tocqueville, he prized uniqueness and eccentricity. • Less government intervention would promote non conformism – and this would allow the best and the brightest to flower into genius and excellence. • Mill also prized participation; but since he worried about majority tyranny he favored plural voting. The weight of your vote would be based on educational level.
John Stuart Mill and the Liberal Tradition • Articulates the harm principle in On Liberty: “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not a sufficient warrant.” • His liberalism is conditioned on the need for progress and improvement in society • Liberal elements: critical inquiry, debate, and a free marketplace of ideas • Democratic elements: Political participation is essential for the formation of and exercise of moral character and public minded civility • The usual democratic fears: A tyranny of public opinion and enslavement to popular fashion was a serious risk. • Remedies: Education, the encouragement of diversity, protection from governmental constraints, plural voting.
