Artsu Tharaz
The Lamb
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- Dec 12, 2010
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Utilitarianism is defined as the belief that the best action is that which maximises happiness, however it also includes a definition of happiness: happiness is that which feels good.
So we have a subtly non-circular definition here: good is that which feels good.
So, what utilitarianism says is that good is a matter of feeling.
No, not "the feeling function", I just mean anything which is felt... better to say, experienced.
So, Utilitarianism is just the claim that our morality must be grounded in experience. Arbitrary rules need not apply.
So, it could be said to be the moral equivalent of "I think therefore I am", except it's more like... everything that exists also is.
Utilitarianism then says 2 things:
1. ground everything in your experience
2. extend this experience to all of existence.
Somewhat of a contradiction, but no worries!
So we have a subtly non-circular definition here: good is that which feels good.
So, what utilitarianism says is that good is a matter of feeling.
No, not "the feeling function", I just mean anything which is felt... better to say, experienced.
So, Utilitarianism is just the claim that our morality must be grounded in experience. Arbitrary rules need not apply.
So, it could be said to be the moral equivalent of "I think therefore I am", except it's more like... everything that exists also is.
Utilitarianism then says 2 things:
1. ground everything in your experience
2. extend this experience to all of existence.
Somewhat of a contradiction, but no worries!