If by calling Mill’s theory hedonism, one means the elevation of bodily or physical pleasure above all else, he has in my view misinterpreted Mills assertion of the theory of utility. Mill likens hedonism to the satisfaction of a pig in his pleasures. He says “a beast’s pleasures do not satisfy a human being’s conceptions of happiness.” In fact he speaks of “the pleasures of the intellect, of the feelings and imagination, and of moral sentiments as much higher value as pleasures than to those of mere sensation.” He asserts that it is better to be a dissatisfied human than a satisfied animal. Mill did not stand for a hedonistic theory of utility.
According to Mill, the theory of utility has as its ultimate object the happiness of mankind, or Eudaimonism, a much different standard than the mere gratification of physical appetite. Not only this, but he asserts that those who are enslaved by these physical appetites will misguidedly pursue them to their own injury in opposition to the happiness sought by men free from such invisible bondage. (pg 10) They lose the ability to experience any pleasure beyond the bodily or physical pleasures that they share with pigs. Some examples of this kind of indulgence are gluttony, sexual perversions and addictions, drugs, and laziness. This kind of indulgence is what is commonly referred to as hedonism and is an undesirable outcome for John Stuart Mill.
Search This Blog
Popular Posts
-
Whats up in my life today? Well I am homeschooling my three kids. We are having a good time. We are trying all kinds of new things. They are...
-
Read this wonderful article from Wally Goddard. Welcoming Heaven into Today
-
So many things are hanging by a thread. I feel like my life is a string pulled tight and at any moment it will break. I have felt for about ...
-
I found this really innovative couple who began producing short video's about Mormons. They are simplified for the purpose of sharing th...
-
Because of the high number of comments submitted on this story that contain threats or references to violence, no more comments will be post...
-
The economy appears to be on the verge of a meltdown. The Federal Reserve is printing new money and evaporating the value of our money on a ...
-
I've found the most amazing books about history. I always loved when President Hinckley talked about history and especially the Reformat...
-
Family Night went well. Besides the goofy- excited- happy- kid questions that had NOTHING to do with the lesson, (or maybe because if it) we...
-
Just when you think you've gotten comfortable life throws a curve ball. Ever notice that? You learn to deal comfortably with a reality i...
-
Look at these faces lashing out after the passage of Prop 8 in California. They are blaming the church for their unhappiness. I feel so sorr...