Compare, contrast and evaluate Mill (John Stuart) and Nietzsches (Friedrich) view on conventional morality Free Essay Example, 3500 words

Compare, Contrast and Evaluate JS Mill and Friedrich Nietzsche’s views on conventional morality? Traditionally approached there appears little apparent compatibility in Mill’s utilitarianism and Nietzsche’s existentialist philosophy, but when looked at in greater depths a number of themes overlap. Although Mill’s philosophy tends to be structured around community, and Nietzsche’s around the individual, for both philosophers the concept of morality, and more specifically conventional (or Christian) morality, was at the heart of their understanding of society. Despite a great variance in their approaches it is worthwhile to analyse each, especially in the wake of recent post-modern liberalist readings that have sought to align the two philosophers, especially those of Richard Rorty. It may be useful to set out initially the traditional interpretations of each philosophy and to work from there in exploring how the two can be seen to compliment, and to conflict with, each other. The basis of JS Mill’s utilitarianism rests on a number of principles, centred on the ultimate aim of happiness. In Utilitarianism he stresses â€Å"The utilitarian doctrine is that happiness is desirable, and the only thing desirable, as an end; all other things being only desirable as means to that end. †1 One of his main themes being that of the harm principle. We will write a custom essay sample on Compare, contrast and evaluate Mill (John Stuart) and Nietzsche's (Friedrich) view on conventional morality or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page