On Liberty Lesson Plan

In “On Liberty,” Mill undertakes to examine fundamental political philosophical questions using the principle of utility. What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this approach?

Some students may see utilitarianism not only as a very natural way of thinking about moral problems but also as the most efficacious method. Others may be more inclined to relate to considerations that have nothing apparent to do with the consequences of actions, and thereby lean in a more deontological direction. Ideally, the teacher should encourage to put these approaches in dialogue with one another, so that students can learn a little bit more about each.

Mill says that his...