John Stuart Mill and Utilitarianism (Questions 27-36) Flashcards
- The supreme principle of morality for Mill is “The Greatest Happiness Principle,” which says: “actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce
the reverse of happiness.” What does he mean by happiness? Whose happiness is Mill referring to? How is this an example of a “consequentialist” morality?
Mill defines happiness as pleasure and the absence of pain. When he refers to happiness in the context of the Greatest Happiness Principle, he is talking about the overall well-being and contentment resulting from the balance of pleasure over pain. The happiness he speaks of is not limited to physical pleasures but encompasses intellectual, emotional, and moral dimensions. Mill’s utilitarianism is consequentialist because it evaluates the morality of actions based on their consequences, specifically their contribution to overall happiness.
- How does Mill respond to the objection that pursuing mere pleasure and the absence of pain seems base and lowly, putting us on the same level as pigs? Explain both the objection and his response.
The objection to utilitarianism is that pursuing mere pleasure and the absence of pain might be seen as base and lowly, equating humans to mere animals. Mill responds by asserting that there are higher and lower pleasures, and humans are capable of experiencing intellectual and moral pleasures that transcend those of animals. He emphasizes the qualitative differences in pleasure, asserting that the pursuit of higher pleasures, even if accompanied by dissatisfaction, is more valuable than the contentment derived from lower pleasures.
- Mill says “It is better to be a human being satisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied.” Explain the difference between happiness and contentment, and explain how the utilitarian focus on happiness rather than contentment explains this quote.
Mill distinguishes between happiness and contentment, arguing that it is better to be dissatisfied as a human than content as a pig. Happiness, for Mill, involves a variety of pleasures, including intellectual and moral satisfaction. The quote emphasizes that a fulfilling life is not about constant rapture but consists of moments of joy in an existence with few and transient pains, numerous and diverse pleasures, and a focus on active pursuits over passive indulgence.
- How does Mill explain that people often seem to choose what Mill identifies as “lower” pleasures?
Mill acknowledges that people often seem to choose what he identifies as “lower” pleasures due to habit, ignorance, or a lack of exposure to higher pleasures. He argues that with education and the cultivation of intellectual and moral faculties, individuals would naturally incline toward higher pleasures.
- Mill says that the happiness that is possible involves “Not a life of rapture, but moments of such, in an existence made up of few and transitory pains, many and various pleasures, with a decided predominance of the active over the passive, and having as the foundation of the whole not to expect more from life than it is capable of bestowing.” Explain the important parts of this quote. How does Mill think we should be thinking about happiness?
Mill envisions happiness as comprised of moments of intense joy within a life characterized by minimal and fleeting pains. He advocates for a diverse range of pleasures, emphasizing engagement in intellectual, emotional, and moral pursuits for a well-rounded sense of well-being. The “decided predominance of the active over the passive” underscores the importance of purposeful engagement with life. Mill sets the foundation for happiness on a realistic expectation, advising not to expect more from life than it is capable of bestowing. Overall, his conception of happiness encourages a holistic approach that balances the intensity and variety of positive experiences with an acknowledgment of life’s inherent limitations.
- Explain the connection between Mill’s utilitarianism and his activism. In what ways is a utilitarian philosophy well-suited to support political activism?
Mill connects his utilitarianism with activism by advocating for social and political reforms that enhance overall happiness. A utilitarian philosophy, which seeks the greatest happiness for the greatest number, provides a moral foundation for activism aimed at improving societal well-being and reducing suffering.
- How does Mill respond to the objection that the utilitarian standard is too high? Explain both the objection and his response.
In response to the objection that the utilitarian standard is too high, Mill argues that people naturally have an inherent desire for the general happiness, and the objection arises from a misunderstanding of human nature. He contends that individuals often sacrifice personal happiness for the greater good, demonstrating that the utilitarian standard is not impractical or unattainable.
- How does Mill respond to the objection that utilitarianism can’t guide actions (because the calculations are too complex)? Explain both the objection and his response.
Mill addresses the objection that utilitarianism can’t guide actions due to complex calculations by emphasizing that utilitarianism provides general principles rather than detailed rules for every situation. He argues that individuals, through education and experience, develop an intuitive understanding of what actions contribute to overall happiness.
- How does the greatest happiness principle get its force, according to Mill? In other words, what does he think will motivate people to act according to it?
The force of the Greatest Happiness Principle, according to Mill, lies in the psychological and social sanctions associated with the pursuit of happiness. He believes that individuals are motivated by a desire for happiness, and societal norms and education shape their understanding of what actions contribute to the greater good.
- What is Mill’s main argument for utilitarianism? [Three steps: happiness desirable as an end, it is the
only thing desirable as an end, and everyone’s happiness is equally desirable] Why might someone
reject Mill’s claim that pleasure and the absence of pain are the only things desirable as ends?
Mill’s main argument for utilitarianism consists of three steps: first, happiness is desirable as an end; second, it is the only thing desirable as an end; and third, everyone’s happiness is equally desirable. He contends that pleasure and the absence of pain are the only intrinsically desirable things and that the happiness of each individual is of equal importance. Someone might reject Mill’s claim by asserting that there are other intrinsic goods or values beyond pleasure and the absence of pain, such as personal autonomy, virtue, or meaningful relationships.
