1. Consider the example Peter Singer offers in the video clip. Do you think his reasoning is compelling? What ethical theories seem to inform his position? 2. What is the principle of utilitarianism according to Mill? How do we determine whether or not a given action should be performed? What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of this theory? 3. Is utilitarianism fundamentally unjust? Consider a hypothetical situation where the total pain caused by sacrificing the civil rights of a minority is less than the total pleasure experienced as a result by the majority? For a utilitarian, would torturing a terrorism suspect be justified? What about “preemptive” strikes by law enforcement against individuals deemed likely to commit crimes? 4. Consider how Mill modifies the utilitarianism of Bentham by considering the example of the life of Socrates and the life of a pig. Do you find his argument for qualitatively higher and lower pleasures compelling? 5. How do the views of Kant and Mill differ? Do you find Kant’s deontological ethics or Mill’s utilitarianism more compelling? What do you think are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach?