According to Mill, “The great majority of our actions are intended not for the benefit of the world, but for that of individuals, of which the good of the world is made up;”. I would interpret this statement to mean that the world or parts of the world are made up of human beings that have the moral qualities beneficial to utilitarianism with all thoughts in mind when put to action, do not violate the rights of anyone else. This is fair to say by definition, however, false by jurisdiction. When addressed by the first class presentation, I took into consideration the idea of the Amish people being indifferent according to where they are located. When I questioned that particular group member about her experience and commented about cultural relativism in reference to her, she explained that only after being near death in a car accident with her family that one Amish man went against his religious beliefs to help another human being in order to get them to safety. This particular episode is something that I too do not agree with. I was born and baptised Episcopalian, but when I reached the age of reason or adulthood, I chose not to perpetuate the ignorance and robotic behavior of a typical religious follower. I agree with the man that helped this young woman and her family from being possibly near death. We are all human even though we may look different from one another. I also agree with the story of the firefighter that risked his life to save someone. Regardless of that type of profession being a job to help those in danger, he just could have said saving that person is too much of a risk and let the person burn or choke to death from smoke. The Utilitarian perspective of not violating the rights of others suggests walking an extremely fine line. Death can be by fate under some religious beliefs. This is impossible for most people, especially in the U.S. who will always object to old world religious thoughts and doctrines. I reject the ignorance of religion. The unfortuneate truth is that government laws have been based on these same ancient rules for the benefit of the people in power.
The Value of Self Sacrifice
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