Utilitarianism Defense and Principles

Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of this chapter?

To defend the utilitarian or greatest happiness principle against its 19th century critics.

What do we learn through Mill's replies to his objectors?

We learn about the important details of utilitarian ethics.

What is the greatest happiness (Utilitarian) Principle?

It holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.

What is the greatest happiness principle grounded on?

The 'theory of life'. Signup and view all the answers

What does the theory of life say about pleasure and freedom from pain?

They are the only things desirable as ends. Signup and view all the answers

How is the righteousness of an action ultimately determined?

By the goodness or badness of relevant consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is objection #1 against utilitarianism?

"A doctrine worthy of only swine"; it tells us that the good life is a life of pig-like pleasures and full of indulgence. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mill's reply to objection #1?

It wrongly supposes that humans are capable of no other pleasures except those which swine are capable of. Signup and view all the answers

What pleasures are humans capable of that pigs are not?

Mental pleasures: intellect, feelings and imagination, the moral sentiments. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the objector offending in objection #1?

The objector is representing human nature in a degrading light, not the utilitarian. Signup and view all the answers

What digression does Mill make about objection #1?

Mental pleasures are superior to physical. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to say mental pleasures are quantitatively superior?

They have longer duration, are safer, and less costly. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to say mental pleasures are qualitatively superior?

Most people who enjoy both strongly prefer the manner of existence that employs their high faculties. Signup and view all the answers

What does Mill say about the ends of liking mental pleasures compared to physical pleasures?

"No intelligent human being would consent to be a fool." It is better to be like Socrates dissatisfied than a fool satisfied. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn from Mill's reply to objection #1?

We must consider mental/physical pleasure and pain in our calculations about goodness or badness of certain consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What is objection #2?

Happiness can't be a rational purpose of human life because it isn't attainable. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mill's reply to objection #2 A)?

They are using happiness in an unusual way: "a continuity of pleasurable excitement." Signup and view all the answers

What do philosophers mean by happiness?

Not a life of rapture, but various pleasures with a predominance of the active over the passive. Signup and view all the answers

What is Mill's reply to objection #2 B)?

Utilitarian morality recognizes the power to sacrifice for the good of others but refuses to admit that sacrificing one's own happiness is good unless it increases the total sum of happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn from Mill's reply to objection #2?

A happy life is attainable, although self-sacrifice is possible, it is recommended only if it leads to an increase in the sum of total happiness. Signup and view all the answers

What is objection #3?

Found fault with its standard as being too high for humanity. Signup and view all the answers

Which objection clashes with what prior objection? Why?

Objection #3 clashes with objection #1 because it states that it is asking too much from humans. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Purpose of Chapter

Defends utilitarianism against 19th-century criticisms.
Clarifies the principles of utilitarian ethics.

Greatest Happiness Principle

Actions are deemed right if they promote happiness, and wrong if they produce unhappiness.
Grounded in the "theory of life," which asserts that pleasure and pain are the only intrinsic aims.

Theory of Life

Asserts that pleasure and freedom from pain are fundamental desires.
Other desirable things are valued for their contribution to pleasure or pain prevention.

Determining Righteousness

Righteousness is based on the goodness or badness of consequences.
Good consequences equate to pleasure; bad consequences result in pain and lack of pleasure.

Objection #1: Life of Swine

Criticizes utilitarianism, suggesting it advocates for indulgent, swine-like pleasures.
Mill counters that humans experience higher, more complex pleasures beyond basic physical satisfaction.

Human vs. Animal Pleasures

Humans can experience mental pleasures (intellect, feelings, imagination) that exceed animal pleasure.
Mental pleasures are considered superior due to qualitative and quantitative aspects.

Mental Pleasures' Superiority

Quantitatively superior: longer-lasting, safer, and less costly.
Qualitatively superior: preferred by most who can enjoy both kinds of pleasure; intellectual fulfillment is valued.

Socratic Wisdom

Mill emphasizes the value of intellectual satisfaction over mere physical pleasure.
The comparison illustrates the pursuit of a meaningful existence over base satisfaction.

Insights from Response to Objection #1

Consider the types of pleasure and pain when calculating consequences.
Acknowledge that mental pleasures provide both quantitative and qualitative advantages over physical counterparts.

Objection #2: Happiness as Unattainable

Challenges the view that happiness can serve as a rational purpose of life, suggesting it’s unattainable.
Asserts individuals should renounce happiness to achieve true virtue.

Mill's Response to Objection #2

Redefines happiness as not solely moments of intense pleasure but a predominance of active pleasures over passive ones.
Affirms that a fulfilling life is achievable for many.

Self-Sacrifice in Utilitarianism

While recognizing the capacity for self-sacrifice, Mill argues this should only occur if it benefits overall happiness.

Takeaways from Mill's Responses

Happiness is attainable, but self-sacrifice is justified only if it contributes to the greater good.

Objection #3: High Standards of Humanity

Critiques utilitarianism for demanding too much from individuals by insisting on actions aimed at promoting societal interests.
This objection parallels and conflicts with the first objection regarding the perceived base nature of utilitarianism.

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Description

This quiz explores the principles and critiques of utilitarianism as presented in the chapter. It defends utilitarian ethics against 19th-century objections and highlights the importance of happiness in assessing actions. Delve into the complexities of pleasure and pain as the basis for morality.