USING TWO-LEVEL UTILITARIANISM, ASSESS
WHETHER WE HAVE THE MORAL OBLIGATION
TO FOLLOW THE LAW
SHU AN WONG
, Abstract
This study explores morality, autonomy and outcomes individuals can reach on whether we
have a moral obligation to follow the law using Richard Mervyn Hare’s proposed two levels of
thinking. Through a close reading of legal judgements, its aims appear to be underpinned by
John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism and Harm Principle, hoping to generate the greatest amount of
interest and pleasure to satisfy the greatest number of people which, in turn, enables
individuals to have an incentive to believe in the legitimacy the law embodies. From cases
where the law provides society with protection, maintenance of order and prevention of harm,
to performative arts which highlights the corruptive nature of mankind, the paper examines the
plausible extremes when societal constraints offered by the law are both applied or removed
and when the question still stands of whether we have the moral obligation to follow the law.
1
WHETHER WE HAVE THE MORAL OBLIGATION
TO FOLLOW THE LAW
SHU AN WONG
, Abstract
This study explores morality, autonomy and outcomes individuals can reach on whether we
have a moral obligation to follow the law using Richard Mervyn Hare’s proposed two levels of
thinking. Through a close reading of legal judgements, its aims appear to be underpinned by
John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism and Harm Principle, hoping to generate the greatest amount of
interest and pleasure to satisfy the greatest number of people which, in turn, enables
individuals to have an incentive to believe in the legitimacy the law embodies. From cases
where the law provides society with protection, maintenance of order and prevention of harm,
to performative arts which highlights the corruptive nature of mankind, the paper examines the
plausible extremes when societal constraints offered by the law are both applied or removed
and when the question still stands of whether we have the moral obligation to follow the law.
1
