Utilitarianism is a powerful philosophy and a key component in the study of ethics. While Jeremy Bentham’s “the greatest good for the greatest number” take on utilitarianism is extremely questionable and squanders minority rights, John Stuart Mill provides a more agreeable vision of utilitarianism that proves practical in today’s world. Kelsey Timmerman’s autobiography Where Am I Wearing explores this discussion in his quest to discover the source of his clothes. Most of his travels visit developing nations plagued with poverty, encountering some extremely challenging circumstances that elicit controversial discussions. In these circumstances, his thoughts often underline utilitarianism’s role in globalization. This essay will analyze Timmerman’s
…show more content…
Child workers create more happiness than pain by providing income to their families, labor for their bosses, and products for consumers. Both Bentham and Mill would agree that child labor in this circumstance is ethical, yet where the difference would be abolishing it. Bentham would argue to maintain child labor no matter what since even though a child may be suffering, they are providing more for their community. In contrast, Mill’s favor of individual rights would claim that child labor is unethical, yet only if the child is actually suffering. Timmerman cites many instances where children fired as a result of boycotts claim that they want customers to buy their products so they would have a job. Clearly, child labor is a complex problem that can be argued both ways in terms of ethics, and the solution is not exactly clear. Though it definitely should be abolished, the solution is not outright protest. Utilitarianism is an extremely dated concept, yet through certain philosophers it has evolved into an agreeable philosophy. It certainly has its flaws, and there are instances where you should disagree with its stance. However, with Mill’s refinements of the concept, it is certainly an ethical philosophy. Timmerman’s exploration of controversial subjects and utilitarianism provides ample discussion for its future in today’s globalized world, and when studying ethics one must always consider utilitarianism’s take on a controversial
Child workers create more happiness than pain by providing income to their families, labor for their bosses, and products for consumers. Both Bentham and Mill would agree that child labor in this circumstance is ethical, yet where the difference would be abolishing it. Bentham would argue to maintain child labor no matter what since even though a child may be suffering, they are providing more for their community. In contrast, Mill’s favor of individual rights would claim that child labor is unethical, yet only if the child is actually suffering. Timmerman cites many instances where children fired as a result of boycotts claim that they want customers to buy their products so they would have a job. Clearly, child labor is a complex problem that can be argued both ways in terms of ethics, and the solution is not exactly clear. Though it definitely should be abolished, the solution is not outright protest. Utilitarianism is an extremely dated concept, yet through certain philosophers it has evolved into an agreeable philosophy. It certainly has its flaws, and there are instances where you should disagree with its stance. However, with Mill’s refinements of the concept, it is certainly an ethical philosophy. Timmerman’s exploration of controversial subjects and utilitarianism provides ample discussion for its future in today’s globalized world, and when studying ethics one must always consider utilitarianism’s take on a controversial