Why Would Someone Say That Utilitarianism Is A Doctrine Wort

1why Would Someone Say That Utilitarianism Is A Doctrine Worthy Of S

Why would someone say that "utilitarianism is a doctrine worthy of swine"? This statement is a famous objection to utilitarianism, suggesting that the philosophy reduces human pleasures to mere base appetites, comparing it to the pleasures that swine enjoy. Critics have argued that utilitarianism, by emphasizing the maximization of pleasure and minimization of pain, neglects the higher faculties that distinguish human beings, such as intellectual, aesthetic, and moral pleasures. Consequently, they claim that utilitarianism advocates a life driven solely by sensual pleasure, which they consider demeaning and incompatible with the dignity of human existence.

John Stuart Mill responded to this objection by asserting that utilitarianism actually places a higher value on intellectual and moral pleasures over mere physical pleasures. In his influential work, "Utilitarianism," Mill argues that pleasures of the mind are qualitatively superior to pleasures of the body. He famously states that "it is better to be a human dissatisfied than a pig satisfied," emphasizing that higher pleasures are more fulfilling and desirable than lower, physical pleasures. Mill's responses are threefold:

• First, he distinguishes between higher and lower pleasures, claiming that competent judges—those who have experienced both—prefer higher pleasures.
• Second, Mill asserts that pleasures of the mind are more valuable because they contribute to human development and moral growth.
• Third, he emphasizes that utilitarianism does not diminish the importance of pleasure but aligns with human nature's preferences for meaningful, intellectually enriching experiences.

The objection also relates to a broader concern about the value and quality of pleasures. Critics fear that utilitarianism reduces morality to the pursuit of simple happiness, unworthy of human dignity. Mill's defense, therefore, elevates the notion of higher pleasures, asserting they are more aligned with human nature and fulfillment than mere physical satisfaction.

Another objection mentioned involves the tendency of individuals capable of higher pleasures to sometimes opt for lower pleasures due to temptation. This complaint is directed at human willpower and self-control, raising questions about the consistency of utilitarian calculation in real-life moral decision-making. Mill responds that the presence of temptation or occasional lapses does not undermine the overall validity of utilitarian principles. He maintains that humans are inherently inclined to pursue higher pleasures once they are adequately informed and educated about their importance. Furthermore, Mill acknowledges human fallibility but insists that a genuinely committed utilitarian will strive to prioritize higher pleasures over lower ones, recognizing their superior value.

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Utilitarianism has long been a subject of philosophical debate, with one of the most persistent criticisms being the accusation that it reduces human life to the pursuit of physical pleasures akin to those enjoyed by animals, specifically pigs. This criticism, famously paraphrased as "utilitarianism is a doctrine worthy of swine," challenges the philosophy's moral and intellectual merit. Understanding the roots of this objection and Mill’s responses is essential in evaluating the robustness of utilitarian ethics and its capacity to uphold human dignity and moral development.

The critique originates from a perceived oversimplification embedded within the utilitarian doctrine. Critics argue that by focusing solely on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain, utilitarianism disregards the qualitative differences among pleasures. To them, pleasures of the mind, praise-worthy as they are, might be overshadowed by the more accessible physical pleasures, thus reducing human life to mere hedonistic satisfaction. Such an interpretation seemingly diminishes the moral and intellectual capacities that elevate humanity above beasts, suggesting that utilitarianism advocates a life driven by base appetites, devoid of higher aspirations.

John Stuart Mill, however, vigorously rejected this reductionist view. He distinguished between higher and lower pleasures, asserting that pleasures of the intellect, moral sentiments, and aesthetic experiences are qualitatively superior to physical pleasures. In "Utilitarianism," Mill articulates that "it is better to be a human dissatisfied than a pig satisfied," emphasizing that a person aware of the higher pleasures would prefer them over lower ones, even if they come with greater difficulty or require more effort. Mill’s argument hinges on the capacity for judgment—those who have experienced both kinds of pleasures tend to prefer and value the higher pleasures more, and, therefore, utilitarianism, properly understood, inherently encourages the pursuit of intellectual and moral well-being.

Mill's first response to the objection emphasizes this qualitative hierarchy of pleasures. He argues that competent judges—individuals who have experienced both higher and lower pleasures—consistently prefer the former, indicating that higher pleasures possess a greater intrinsic value. Second, Mill defends higher pleasures by asserting that they contribute more meaningfully to human development, moral maturity, and the realization of human potential. They are not only more desirable but also more fulfilling, fostering continual growth and moral improvement. Third, Mill clarifies that utilitarianism does not devalue physical pleasures but seeks to elevate human life by prioritizing higher, more rewarding experiences.

Another facet of the criticism involves human susceptibility to temptation and the occasional choice of lower pleasures, even when higher pleasures are available. This objection questions whether humans can be reliably guided by utilitarian principles when immediate temptations confront them, potentially leading to a life dominated by selfish or base pursuits. Mill responds by acknowledging human fallibility but maintains that education, moral development, and proper understanding can foster a preference for higher pleasures. He contends that individuals who are informed of the nature and worth of higher pleasures will generally prefer them once they understand their significance. Therefore, occasional lapses do not invalidate the utilitarian framework but highlight the importance of moral cultivation to align human actions with higher aims.

In conclusion, the criticism that utilitarianism is a doctrine worthy of swine underscores concerns about the potential reductiveness of hedonistic ethics. Mill’s responses demonstrate that utilitarianism, when properly interpreted, emphasizes the qualitative differences between pleasures and aligns with human aspirations for moral and intellectual fulfillment. Recognizing the higher pleasures that distinguish humans from animals restores the dignity of human life within the utilitarian framework, ensuring that morality remains rooted in conditions conducive to human flourishing, not merely physical happiness.

References

• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
• Sidgwick, H. (1907). The Methods of Ethics. Macmillan.
• Smart, J. J. C., & Williams, Bernard. (1973). Utilitarianism: For and Against. Cambridge University Press.
• Hare, R. M. (1981). Moral Thinking. Oxford University Press.
• Craig, E. (2010). The Necessity of Virtue: Moral and Religious Inquiries. Oxford University Press.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practical Ethics. Cambridge University Press.
• Kagan, S. (1989). The Limits of Morality. Oxford University Press.
• Nagel, T. (1979). Mortal Questions. Cambridge University Press.
• Harsanyi, J. C. (1953). Cardozo Lecture: Cardinal Utility in Welfare Economics and in the Theory of Risk-Taking. Journal of Political Economy, 61(5), 434–465.
• Parfit, D. (2011). On What Matters. Oxford University Press.