MLK Jr. On Morality, Utilitarianism, Essay

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Would King align himself with Utilitarianism? J.S. Mill asserted that the good can only be measured by the consequences of an act, whether pleasurable or painful. In its well-known simplified form, the maxim of Utilitarianism says that what should be chosen is what brings "the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people." Mill nuanced the notion of happiness, subordinating sensual happiness to mental happiness. King would have agreed on its social principle to maximize good for the most number of people, while disagreeing with the notion that mental happiness is higher than physical happiness. King's view of happiness is related to the direct physical conditions of humans, like poverty and inequality. He would have advocated raising the freedom and happiness of oppressed people physically above all. Only then could pleasure be increased in social conditions of equality and freedom.

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King would have appreciated the practical emphasis of utilitarianism -- that it focuses on results and outcomes, rather than intentions or motivations. King would have agreed with Mill's liberty principle that says no government should exert power against someone's will unless it is to protect others.

King is like Socrates in that he was often condemned for an unswerving dedication to the truth he believed in that others in society found threatening. Both heroically asked difficult questions and were considered a threat to the status quo. King wished, like Socrates, to raise the consciousness of people. They probably had different views of inequality because of culture......

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