Utilitarianism: it all went wrong with Sidgwick
By John Quiggin
Category: Mind & Ideas › Philosophy
I go back to Henry Sidgwick and the roots of utilitarianism to ask where it all went off track. This is part intellectual history, part moral philosophy looking at how attempts to formalise ethics produced puzzles we’re still stuck with today.
Rolly's Take
This blog resonates with the contemplative soul who often finds themselves wrestling with the intricate layers of moral philosophy, seeking clarity amidst the chaos of utilitarian thought. It speaks to those who wonder where the idealism of early thinkers has diverged into the convolutions of modern ethics, revealing a landscape rich with paradox and historical context. Readers drawn here are not just intellectually curious but also grappling with the implications of ethical frameworks on real-world dilemmas, eager to dissect the threads of happiness, well-being, and the complexities of population ethics. There’s a quiet thrill in the exploration, a quest for understanding that elevates the mundane questions of morality into profound reflections on the human experience.