J.S. Mill and Utilitarianism

[Jay Levine]

To begin our online discussion of J.S. Mill, I would like everyone to
respond to the following:

Last night's reading dealt with J.S. Mill's unique form of
utilitarianism. Consider this scenario: since not many people are
interested in art (relative to the population as a whole), doesn't it
make sense to cut funding for it, and spend that money instead on
things like a new football stadium? Surely that would increase the
"greatest happiness for the greatest number". Football>art in terms of
popularity, according to my rather unscientific study. After all,
isn't this what democracy's about?

[Zachary Brown]

testing....

[Egan Davis]

[Rhianna Waterman]

Anyone there?

[Nick Roy]

keep art, its a great homework period.

[Emily Lawler]

yup :)

[Calé Frost]

You can't just destroy world culture by taking it away. Leave things
that include "higher class" pleasures, but make them more rare so that
those who truly care about them will be more willing to become engaged
in these "higher class" activities.

On Feb 14, 9:10 pm, Jay Levine <jaymlevin...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Misa Tran]

The "greatest happiness for the greatest number" is not always the
best decision. Students should be open to culture such as art since it
would benefit them in the long run. :D yay for art.

On Feb 14, 9:10 pm, Jay Levine <jaymlevin...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Rhianna Waterman]

Although creating a new football stadium would promote the greatest amount of happiness, I still belive it is unfair to cut something that is part our history and a select few like.

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:38 PM, Rhianna Waterman <rwate...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Rhianna Waterman]

believe*

[Emily Lawler]

okay, so i think that j.s. mill does have a point, but if they were to cut the things that didn't make people happy, they would cut school.

[Stephanie Pelletier]

I think no matter the circumstance everyone should be allowed to have an equal opportunity to explore their own interests. Other people should not influence the activities people enjoy. Personal preference is everything in my opinion.

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:37 PM, Egan Davis <egan....@gmail.com> wrote:

[Maia Johnson]

hi whitney, Anyways we should not cut the arts program, alot of kids get thier pleasure from the arts and it would be unfair to cut something that intrests them for the sole purpose of a football stadium, it is tyhe intrest of art students and we should respect it.

On Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at 9:10 PM, Jay Levine <jaymle...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Egan Davis]

Nick I am utterly offended at the accusation that we use the art classes for homework. Get your facts strraight.

[bridget stemmler]

I agree with J.S Mill in that catering strictly to the majority will
not always result in long-term happiness for everyone. Keep the art
program.

> > isn't this what democracy's about?- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[Rhianna Waterman]

In a way, if art was cut, there are still alternatives to learn more about art. For example a museum...

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:39 PM, Emily Lawler <elaw...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Jaclyn Solimine]

A new football stadium might be a good form of entertainment, but not cutting the art programs will probably be better in the long run and be more productive to society.

[Emily Lawler]

even if the people who like art could be the minority, they still have a say and should not be forgotten completely.

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:41 PM, Egan Davis <egan....@gmail.com> wrote:

[Calé Frost]

derp

On Feb 14, 9:10 pm, Jay Levine <jaymlevin...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Zachary Brown]

we should keep art because some people like it. you cannot cut
something because it does not bring the greatest amount of happiness
to the general population

[Emily Lawler]

sooo i am glad this things works now.

[Zachary Brown]

ya nick get your facts straight

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[whitney milewski]

Cutting the arts program would be ridiculous. Sure we might enjoy
watching 300 pound guys hit each other more than just observing a
piece of art by Monet, but Monet and other artists and composers
helped make up our society that we have today and can be called the
"classics" so to speak. If we were to cut them, we'd be losing a big
portion of our history.

On Feb 15, 12:40 pm, Emily Lawler <elawle...@gmail.com> wrote:
> okay, so i think that j.s. mill does have a point, but if they were to cut
> the things that didn't make people happy, they would cut school.
>
>
>
> On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:39 PM, Emily Lawler <elawle...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > yup :)
>

> > On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:38 PM, Rhianna Waterman <rwaterma...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> >> Anyone there?
>

> >> On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:37 PM, Egan Davis <egan.dav...@gmail.com>wrote:
>
> >>>   I think that people need to express themselves in one way or another,
> >>> therefore cutting the art program would be foolish.On Mon, Feb 14, 2011 at

> >>> 9:10 PM, Jay Levine <jaymlevin...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >>>> To begin our online discussion of J.S. Mill, I would like everyone to
> >>>> respond to the following:
>
> >>>> Last night's reading dealt with J.S. Mill's unique form of
> >>>> utilitarianism. Consider this scenario: since not many people are
> >>>> interested in art (relative to the population as a whole), doesn't it
> >>>> make sense to cut funding for it, and spend that money instead on
> >>>> things like a new football stadium?  Surely that would increase the
> >>>> "greatest happiness for the greatest number". Football>art in terms of
> >>>> popularity, according to my rather unscientific study. After all,

[Rhianna Waterman]

Everyone should have equal oppurtunities to participate in things they enjoy and enjoy learning.

[Lucille Sirois]

I agree with you...J.S. Mill believes that individual rights are key
for success in the long run and I think that this is true with the art/
football stadium case.

On Feb 15, 12:43 pm, Emily Lawler <elawle...@gmail.com> wrote:
> even if the people who like art could be the minority, they still have a say
> and should not be forgotten completely.
>
>
>
> On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:41 PM, Egan Davis <egan.dav...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Nick I am utterly offended at the accusation that we use the art classes
> > for homework. Get your facts strraight.
>

> > On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:40 PM, Misa Tran <fupa...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> >> The "greatest happiness for the greatest number" is not always the
> >> best decision. Students should be open to culture such as art since it
> >> would benefit them in the long run. :D yay for art.
>
> >> On Feb 14, 9:10 pm, Jay Levine <jaymlevin...@gmail.com> wrote:
> >>  > To begin our online discussion of J.S. Mill, I would like everyone to
> >> > respond to the following:
>
> >> > Last night's reading dealt with J.S. Mill's unique form of
> >> > utilitarianism. Consider this scenario: since not many people are
> >> > interested in art (relative to the population as a whole), doesn't it
> >> > make sense to cut funding for it, and spend that money instead on
> >> > things like a new football stadium?  Surely that would increase the
> >> > "greatest happiness for the greatest number". Football>art in terms of
> >> > popularity, according to my rather unscientific study. After all,

[Maia Johnson]

you go whitney!

[Nick Roy]

On a more philosophical level, keep the arts. If we get rid of the arts for a better football stadium, then it's true, maybe it will make some people happier because of the better field, bleachers, etc. but by getting rid of the arts, you're also cutting the desires of kids who want to maybe have a future in the arts.

[George Bonner]

FINALLY!!!

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Emily Lawler]

is the bio test thursday?

[Rhianna Waterman]

Maia get out.

[Misa Tran]

Cale.. you did not just "derp" in this discussion. Control your derp.

On Feb 15, 12:45 pm, Lucille Sirois <fishie...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Emily Lawler]

rhi that was a nice pquote from our science video from madeline last year :)

[Calé Frost]

Sorry for derping, guys. :c I stand by my original opinion on the
subject.

On Feb 15, 12:45 pm, Lucille Sirois <fishie...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Egan Davis]

yaya this is fun. How was everyones lunch :)

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:45 PM, Lucille Sirois <fish...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Emily Lawler]

not to seem stupid... but what is derp?

[Michaela Pierro]

I agree with you, Bridget, that we should keep the art program because
it will not result in the long-term happiness for everyone.

On Feb 15, 12:43 pm, bridget stemmler <bridgetstemm...@gmail.com>
wrote:

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Maia Johnson]

em i dont knoww really.

[Phil Sasso-Flanagan]

i think that even though everyone loves football, we shouldn't take
funding away from art because it is important too

[Emily Lawler]

I HAD COOKIES!!!!!!!!!!

[whitney milewski]

Nick, I agree. There are plenty of people trying to make a living
through the arts and if we were to cut them just so we could have more
entertainment in football, we'd be disregarding their interests.

On Feb 15, 12:47 pm, Emily Lawler <elawle...@gmail.com> wrote:
> is the bio test thursday?
>

> > > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Zachary Brown]

some pleasures are more worthy than others. in this case van gogh
paintings would be far more worthy than big guys ramming into each
other. you learn more from the arts and it is more beneficial to you
in the long run!

On Feb 15, 12:45 pm, Lucille Sirois <fishie...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Nick Roy]

lunch was good. I saw some kids doing their homework in there though because they obviously dont use art as a homework period.

[Egan Davis]

But I agree with everyone else about not cutting the arts program. It's giving some kids oppurtunities that other kids won't get and it just doesnt seem fair.

[George Bonner]

being a very artsy person myself, I believe that cutting ALL funding
for the arts is a little drastic. mainly because Shutting down all
arts means that the A wing would be nothing more than a huge study
hall. ...and that would never happen.

[Maia Johnson]

Philip. you arnt taking funding away from footbal you are cutting an arts program so that you can get your entertainment but there are plenty of people who love the arts and get pleasure out of thatas well. yes football is popular but you should respect everyones intrests

[Rhianna Waterman]

Another option to put into consideration is the electives we take in school. What if a person wants to study the fundamentals of art to go to an art college or something that involves majoring in the classics for their career?

 

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:49 PM, whitney milewski <wmilew...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Emily Lawler]

i agree with whit.

[Emily DelDotto]

I agree...individual rights are important so it's better to keep the
art program. In the long run, it will result in happiness for
everyone.

On Feb 15, 12:45 pm, Lucille Sirois <fishie...@gmail.com> wrote:

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Maia Johnson]

jk philip i read that wrong

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:53 PM, Maia Johnson <maiajo...@gmail.com> wrote:

well put george.

[Maia Johnson]

well put george.

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:52 PM, Emily Lawler <elaw...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Nick Roy]

Dont more people take art than play football anyways?

[Zachary Brown]

rhianna is right. if we take away art, we take away classes that could
interest students and spark some artistic careers for them.
ultimatley, we could be taking away jobs and oppurtunities from the
children.

[Emily Lawler]

in addition to what dog said, there is enough unemploymenmt without cutting the arts and we do NOT need any more of that.

[Maia Johnson]

art also gives students a break during the day to be creative and if we take that away students may be mentally exahsted and not preform as well in the "most important" classes

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:54 PM, Zachary Brown <zachbro...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Egan Davis]

Nick I would really appreciate it if you would stop publicly attacking me. Thanks PS. Good point George
 

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:54 PM, Zachary Brown <zachbro...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Calé Frost]

Guys, Austin has an idea.

> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Nick Roy]

yes maia and that would not be ACCEPTABLE.

[Emily Lawler]

let's not all gang up on egan now!

[Maia Johnson]

stooop it.

[Emily Lawler]

what is austin's idea?

[Rhianna Waterman]

I am agreeing with Maia. Art allows students to take a break from the studies and allows their creative and imaginative ideas to develop and be depicted through art activities.

[Zachary Brown]

kids would become mindless drones in some cases if we took away their
art classes

On Feb 15, 12:57 pm, Emily Lawler <elawle...@gmail.com> wrote:
> let's not all gang up on egan now!
>
>
>
> On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:56 PM, Egan Davis <egan.dav...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Nick I would really appreciate it if you would stop publicly attacking me.
> > Thanks PS. Good point George
>

> >  On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:54 PM, Zachary Brown <zachbrown31...@gmail.com

> >> > - Show quoted text -- Hide quoted text -

[Calé Frost]

Austin's tired, he can't reply right now. :( But he thinks they're
both useless.

On Feb 15, 12:58 pm, Emily Lawler <elawle...@gmail.com> wrote:
> what is austin's idea?
>
>
>

> On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 12:57 PM, Nick Roy <nickroy34...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > yes maia and that would not be *ACCEPTABLE.*- Hide quoted text -

[Zachary Brown]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nick Roy]

Dear Egan,

 

How am I publicly attacking you? I'm just pointing out that people don't do their homework in art, because it is a period that if you don't perform what is asked of you, then you fall behind.

 

Love, Nick

[Emily Lawler]

what would austin rather do with the money?

[whitney milewski]

In relation to what Maia said, having an arts program does give us a
break. You might not be the most artisically talented person in the
world, but I'm sure tha majority of us would prefer drawing, painting,
or sculpting over reading, calculating, etc. Also, some studies are
shown that doing art stimulates a part of the human brain that other
activies can't so it's benefitting us.

[Maia Johnson]

yuo go glen coco!

[Nick Roy]

if we didnt use money for either, i think we should use it for computers because thats what more and more people will need help with as society progresses.

[Egan Davis]

Dear Nicholas, How darre you make these accusations about me. HOW DARE YOU

love, Egan

[Stephanie Pelletier]

everyone just has to remember to look at a situation from more points
of view than just their own. think about how you would feel if your
idea of fun was taken away such as art just because not enough people
show an interest in it. it wouldn't be fair at all.

[Emily Lawler]

With Whit, yes some people say they don't like art or whatever, but when we have schedules fillled with difficult classes then we all find it a sigh of relief to get to art class.

On Tue, Feb 15, 2011 at 1:00 PM, whitney milewski <wmilew...@gmail.com> wrote:

[Nick Roy]

Dear Egan,

 

What are you sayign I'm accusing you of?

 

Your lover, Nick