The Theory of Utilitarianism

The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. His own good, either physical or moral, is not sufficient warrant. - John Stuart Mill


The only way in which a person should be forced to do something against their will is if an action will keep others away from harm. The benefit of only the individual is not a valid reason for causing harm to others.


This is a well-known quote from Mill's essay, "On Liberty." Mill created the theory of Utilitarianism which states that a moral action is that which maximizes pleasure and minimizes pain for the greatest number of people. This quote reflects a significant concept in Mill's theory, which states that the happiness of one person (Egoism) should not be put before the happiness of a greater number of people.


For more information, pay attention in TOK class.

If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?

In Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind," nature is employed to reinforce ideas from the Romantic movement. In this poem, Shelley explains concepts such as beauty and aesthetics, which are linked to Romanticism through the natural world. In the fifth part of the poem, Shelley uses the wind as metaphor for his own art as he expresses the "dead thoughts" like "withered leaves" over the universe "to quicken a new birth," spring. In this context, spring represents freedom and imagination, which Shelley intends convey to the human mind. By creating a vision of himself in his poetry, while using nature to portray imagination and liberation, Shelley is able to affirm his standpoint as a Romantic poet.

Click here to read the poem.

You are the Monk

The Monk by the Sea (1809) - Caspar David Friedrich

"The Monk by the Sea" by Caspar David Friedrich is recognized as one of the boldest pictures in the history of German Romanticism. The composition of this painting breaks a rule of traditional painting as there is no perspective depth, as opposed to conventional methods. In the painting, Friedrich illustrates a tiny man facing a natural landscape broken into three realms of contrasting colours. All of the lines in the painting lead out of the canvas highlighting the endlessness of the universe. The cloudy sky occupies majority of the canvas which emphasizes the tiny size of man compared to the vastness of the sky. In realization of his smallness, the man who represents human nature as a whole, reflects upon the power of nature. Friedrich effectively captures the immeasurable power of nature and juxtaposes it with the infinitesimal power of man. This dream-like atmosphere reinforces the Romantics attitude towards nature and the viewer is forced to imagine themselves as "the monk by the sea."

"If he sees nothing within, then he should stop painting what is in front of him."

- Caspar David Friedrich

Beethoven - A Classical or a Romantic?

The title of Beethoven's 6th symphony, "Pastoral" refers to a sense of nature and the countryside. There has been much debate on whether Beethoven was a Classical or Romantic musician. However, this piece creates a bridge between the music within the classical and romantic era. It can be argued that this is a classical piece as it includes fugue, canon, and theme and variation; which are distinctive elements of Classical writing. However, this symphony is based largely around the natural world which is made evident through Beethoven's five movements. He opens this piece with warmth and calmness, as he sets the scene of arrival on the countryside. In his fourth movement, "Thunderstorm," Beethoven shifts to a darker tone, foreshadowing trouble ahead. After the storm, Beethoven concludes gracefully with "feelings of joy and gratitude after the storm." The various emotions emphasized through the natural surroundings reflect the influence of the Romantic era on Beethoven's music.

The following website is a great resource to help to deepen your understanding of some of Beethoven's musical concepts and the transition of music in the Romantic era. Check it out!

http://www.favorite-classical-composers.com/pastoral-symphony.html