Shakespeare’s writings
Paper instructions:
In Chapter 2 of Justice, Sandel considers the relative merits of Shakespeare’s writings and episodes of the TV show The Simpsons (pp. 546).
He discusses two issues – enjoy ability and merit – and considers how each is related to moral judgment. (Note: this question is of interest to utilitarians, but
it also might matter to other moral views. Anyone who accepts pleasure/enjoyment or artistic merit as morally valuable will care about this discussion.)
Your assignment: (1) explain why Mill would think that it would be morally better to promote Shakespeare reading over Simpsons watching? Be sure to explain – does
it depend on the pleasurability or merit of the work? (2) Assess Mill’s argument – do you agree? Why or why not?
Important: Start with Mill’s position! This is not just ‘free response’ – I want you to react to Mill.
