Green And Utilitarianism
Was Green a Utilitarian in Practice?
A look at T.H. Green and John Stuart Mill on Crime and Punishment
Justin Ekin
December 12, 2006
Senior Seminar
Dr. Brenda Wirkus
Fall Semester 2006
The proper characterization of T. H. Green's moral and political thought is a matter of increasing controversy. This is highlighted particularly in the debate between David Weinstein and Avital Simhony in recent years. Weinstein argues that Green (as well as L. T. Hobhouse) 1 share striking similarities with utilitarians, especially John Stuart Mill, in his political thought. Indeed, Weinstein reminds us that Green had claimed Mill's reformulated utilitarianism was scarcely... distinguishable' from his own position, as Green says:
Now, in a general way and up to a certain point, the line of action directed at this removal of obstacles and supply of conditions favorable to goodness, will also tend to make existence more pleasant for those whose good is being sought.2
For Weinstein, Green advocates a Consequentialism of self-realization which also stands hard by improved utilitarian moral rights'.3 Green is said to be a liberal consequentialist', although certainly not ... [a] utilitarian'.4 However, for Weinstein, practically or juridically speaking, Green might as well have been a utilitarian'.5 His claim is supported by D. G. Ritchie, who says:
There is no reason why the Idealist, after making clear his objections to Hedonism, should not join hands with the Utilitarian. In fact, an ethical system like Green's is really, on its practical side, J. S. Mill's Utilitarianism with a securer basis and a criterion provided, which Mill cannot logically provide, for distinguishing the different quantities of pleasures.6
Weinstein's interpretation of Green as a consequentialist has been criticized strongly by Avital Simhony. She highlights the many...
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