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?
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What does the theory of life say about pleasure and freedom from pain?
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How is the righteousness of an action ultimately determined?
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What is objection #1 against utilitarianism?
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What is Mill's reply to objection #1?
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What pleasures are humans capable of that pigs are not?
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Who is the objector offending in objection #1?
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What digression does Mill make about objection #1?
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What does it mean to say mental pleasures are quantitatively superior?
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What does it mean to say mental pleasures are qualitatively superior?
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What does Mill say about the ends of liking mental pleasures compared to physical pleasures?
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What do we learn from Mill's reply to objection #1?
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What is objection #2?
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What is Mill's reply to objection #2 A)?
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What do philosophers mean by happiness?
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What is Mill's reply to objection #2 B)?
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What do we learn from Mill's reply to objection #2?
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What is objection #3?
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Which objection clashes with what prior objection? Why?
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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.