'secondary principle' is a correct and usable phrase in written English
It can be used to refer to an idea that is subordinate to another primary idea. For example, "The secondary principle of this argument is that education should be accessible to everyone."
Unlike the principles of superposition and crosscutting, faunal succession is a secondary principle.
The biggest difference is between the sanction theory, on the one hand, and the secondary principle and pre-eminent goods conceptions, on the other hand, because the first is an indirect utilitarian conception of rights, whereas the second two are compatible with direct utilitarianism.
Without clear support for the rule utilitarian reading of secondary principles, it seems that Mill's main claims about secondary principles are not inconsistent with act utilitarianism.
We saw that Mill recognizes the need for various secondary principles in moral reasoning (§2.9).
Mill's utilitarian justification of secondary principles is intended as a contrast with the intuitionism of William Whewell and others.
Whereas the sanction theory of rights appears problematic, the secondary principles and pre-eminent goods conceptions appear more plausible.
Thus, the function of conscience for Aquinas is to apply the general principles of synderesis and the more content-laden secondary principles developed from prudence to particular circumstances.
Moreover, it is clear that Mill thinks we need to depart from otherwise justified secondary principles in an important range of cases.
One can call these "secondary principles" and Aquinas discusses them in several places and suggests that they are derived from experience and instruction through the virtue of prudence.
One of Urmson's reasons for this rule utilitarian reading appeals to Mill's reliance on various rules and secondary principles in moral reasoning.
Also, they should set aside these secondary principles and make direct appeal to the principle of utility in unusual cases in which it is especially clear that the effects of adhering to the principle would be substantially suboptimal and in cases in which secondary principles, each of which has a utilitarian justification, conflict (II 19, 24 25).
