SOCY 151: Foundations of Modern Social Theory
Lecture 07 - Utilitarianism and Liberty, John Stuart Mill. Adam Smith's ideas about self-interest should be understood as a precursor in some ways to John Stuart Mill's thinking on utilitarianism. Professor Szelenyi discusses, but does not resolve, the complexities of Adam Smith's moral and ethical positions staked out in The Theory of Moral Sentiments - including a focus on sympathy - and the most widespread economic interpretation of Smith and The Wealth of Nations that he is the economist of self-interest. One way to reconcile these so-called "two Smiths" is that, as social beings, it is in our self-interest to express benevolence and sympathy toward others. Mill, the student of Bentham since a very young age, humanizes the theory of utilitarianism. Perhaps he should be best remembered for his staunch views on liberty: liberty must never be compromised for the sake of expediency. (from oyc.yale.edu)
| Lecture 07 - Utilitarianism and Liberty, John Stuart Mill |
| Time | Lecture Chapters |
| [00:00:00] | 1. Smith in a Historical Context |
| [00:07:04] | 2. The Theory of Moral Sentiments: Major Themes |
| [00:13:29] | 3. The Wealth of Nations: Major Themes; Self-Interest and the Common Good |
| [00:21:24] | 4. The Labor Theory of Value; The Invisible Hand |
| [00:27:17] | 5. Mill in a Historical Context |
| [00:35:34] | 6. Utilitarianism: Major Themes |
| References |
| Lecture 7 - Utilitarianism and Liberty, John Stuart Mill Instructor: Professor Ivan Szelenyi. Transcript [html]. Audio [mp3]. Download Video [mov]. |
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