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The Significance of Tendencies and Intentions in the Moral Philosophy of J. S. Mill

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 February 2004

VILLE KILKKU
VILLE KILKKU
Affiliation:
University of Turku
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Abstract

I will argue that Mill used the concepts tendency and intention as technical terms a proper understanding of which is vital in interpreting his moral philosophy. I examine two interpretations of tendency, offered by Brian Cupples and Fred Berger, and proceed to show weaknesses in both. I will also sketch an interpretation of my own in which tendencies have an important place in Mill's understanding of not only science but moral philosophy as well. I will then show how my interpretation of tendency can help in understanding Mill's foreseeable consequences utilitarianism that relies heavily on Mill's unorthodox use of the notion of intention.

Type
Research Article
Information
Utilitas , Volume 16 , Issue 1 , March 2004 , pp. 80 - 95
Copyright
© 2004 Cambridge University Press

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