Mozi's Utilitarianism

The ancient philosopher Mozi inspired Mohism, similar to Western utilitarianism. Western utilitarianism calls actions to be right if they are useful for the benefit of the majority. Mozi is also known as the original consequentialist. Within his arguments for consequentialism, he proposed that to have moral reasoning in making decisions, humans must be totally impartial. Impartiality in reasoning is the concept of not having any interest in yourself when making the decision and focusing on the needs and wants of others. Mozi describes it as regarding the state of other’s as one’s own. Only by impartial caring, or universal love, Mozi claims, can humans make decisions that will give happiness to others.
Mozi consequently argues that much of …show more content…
Natural law states that certain rights are inherent by virtue of humans endowed by nature. Mengzi points out a flaw in the framework of asking people not to pay special concern for their own parents. An argument for why impartiality is unrealistic is examplified by Yi Zhi, a Mohist follower. Mengzi provides the example of Yi Zhi who chose to bury his own parents generously, despite advocating for Mohist doctrine. “ ‘Mohists, in regulating mourning, take frugality as their Way. [...] Could it be that he honors the Mohist practice, while regarding it not right? Nonetheless, Yizi buried his parents lavishly, so he served his parents by means of what he demeans’ ” (Mengzi, 133). Mengzi argues the familial connection must have some value. Mengzi asks the rhetorical question, “Does Yizi truly hold that one's affection for one's elder brother’s son is like one's neighbor's child?” (Mengzi, 134). If even a Mohist is unable to follow the doctrine, then pure impartiality is not in accordance with human …show more content…
Though it is important to treat strangers with the kindness you would want onto yourself, asking individuals to give everyone the same amount of kindness would be unreasonable. While it may be logically sound for Mozi to ask individuals to take care their neighbors as they would take care of their own, and expect the same in return, people are not predisposed to have impartial care for others. Yes, people should take care of others, but I think it’s slightly naive to assume people will be able to treat a stranger with the same regard as a loved one. Even Mohist follower Yizi showed special treatment towards his family, following the structure of filial piety and showing partiality. Being partial is a natural instinct people have. It’s how people learn to survive for