On The Moral Sanction Theory Of The Classic Utilitarianism

The moral sanction is an important part in the moral theories. This thesis discusses the moral sanction theory of the classic utilitarianism, pointing out the shift from paying attention to the outside sanction to paying attention to the inside sanction.Firstly this thesis looks back the history of the moral sanction theories to clarify how the utilitarianism moral sanction theory put forward. Secondly it discusses Benthamian sanction theory, introducing its mechanism, the four kinds of the sanction representations and their relations respectively, and pointing out the characteristics, such as taking the law or political sanction seriously instead of the religious sanction etc. Finally, it discusses Millian sanction theory. Mill revises Benthamian moral sanctions theory. While affirming the outside sanction, he points out that Bentham neglects the importance of personal ego development and educations. Therefore, Mill thinks that the moral sanction should shift toward the personal heart, and puts forward his inside sanction theory, that is the conscience theory.