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Select the title link above or access the Discussion Board through the course menu in order to complete this assignment. In a paragraph (150 words minimum), please respond to the following questions: Explain John Stuart Mill’s theory of higher and lower pleasures: Are there any problems inherent in the theory? Overall, does Mill’s idea of higher and lower pleasures make sense to you? Why or why not?

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John Stuart Mill’s theory of higher and lower pleasures is a central component of his ethical philosophy, particularly in his utilitarian framework. Mill distinguished between physical or base pleasures—such as those related to sensory experiences or immediate gratification—which he termed lower pleasures, and more intellectual or moral pleasures, which he called higher pleasures. According to Mill, higher pleasures are qualitatively superior because they engage the mind and foster personal growth, leading to a more profound sense of happiness and fulfillment than the mere pursuit of physical sensations. For Mill, the capacity to enjoy higher pleasures distinguishes humans from animals, emphasizing mental and moral development as essential to a good life.

However, Mill’s theory is not without problems. One primary issue is the subjective nature of pleasure: determining which pleasures are higher can be contentious, as individuals might differ in their preferences. Additionally, some critics argue that elevating intellectual pleasures may marginalize or undervalue more fundamental physical pleasures, which are still meaningful to many individuals. Furthermore, the hierarchy proposed by Mill could impose a moral judgment about personal preferences, potentially leading to paternalism, where the preferences of those deemed to pursue lower pleasures are considered inferior or less valuable. This judgment might infringe on individual autonomy and diversity of values.

Despite these challenges, Mill’s differentiation between higher and lower pleasures resonates with contemporary understandings of well-being. The idea that some pleasures contribute more substantially to human flourishing aligns with psychological research showing the importance of intellectual engagement, moral growth, and meaningful relationships for mental health. Overall, Mill’s idea makes sense because it emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in experiencing happiness. While subjective judgments about pleasure hierarchy can be problematic, his focus on intellectual and moral development highlights the complex nature of human fulfillment, encouraging a more nuanced view of happiness beyond mere sensory satisfaction.

References

  1. Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
  2. Sandel, M. J. (2009). Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
  3. Scanlon, T. M. (1998). What We Owe to Each Other. Harvard University Press.
  4. Buss, S. (2008). The Philosophy of Happiness. Routledge.
  5. Raz, J. (2004). Engaging Reason: On the Theory of Value. Oxford University Press.
  6. Schmidt, M. G. (2010). "The Metaphysics of Pleasure," Philosophy & Public Affairs, 38(4), 326-358.
  7. Nagel, T. (1979). "The Limits of Ethical Theory," in Moral Philosophy, ed. T. H. Green and H. L. A. Hart. Maxwell Macmillan.
  8. Hare, R. M. (1981). Moral Thinking. Oxford University Press.
  9. Parfit, D. (2011). On What Matters. Oxford University Press.
  10. Harman, G. (2000). Moral Philosophy and Non-Natural Properties. Oxford University Press.

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