Chapter 4 Mill Flashcards
higher pleasures
intellect; feelings; imagination; moral sentiments and sensitivities
lower pleasures
bodily pleasures and physical sensation
higher faculties
the elevated mental, spiritual and emotional capacities that add to human dignity
human dignity
sense of self-respect and self-worth, physical and psychological integrity and empowerment
inferior type
for Mill, those who pursue lower pleasures
superior type
perceives most sources of happiness as imperfect; satisfied with the exercise of her higher faculties
infirmity of character
improper development and moral weakness
enlightened self-interest
Bentham wished to harmonize the interests of the individual with the interests of society
personal sacrifice/altruism
putting others’ interest before one’s own; doing things for their sake
disutility
pain and suffering
altruistic utilitarianism
Mill’s version; contains feelings for humanity and a disinterested and impartial pursuit of the good; greatest happiness of the greatest number
incommensurable
not able to be judged by the same standard as something
mental cultivation
the process of trying to acquire or develop a quality or skill; broadening the mind
social liberty
nature and limits of the power that can be legitimately exercised by society over the individual
democracy
a system of government in which the citizens exercise power directly or elect representatives from among themselves to form a governing body; rule of the majority
What was Bentham’s influence on Mill?
Mill accepted Bentham’s principle of utility as the standard for morality; in its defense, Mill developed his own version of utilitarian ethics
How are pleasures distinguished?
terms of quality; higher, superior and lower, inferior; higher pleasures relate to intellect,imagination, moral sentiments and uncostliness; are ennobling, satisfying and enduring
How are higher pleasures risky?
cause sensitive, superior-types to suffer more intensely; require stronger character and are more difficult to attain
What are the basic philosophical differences between Mill and Bentham?
Bentham sees pleasure only in terms of quantity; Mill makes a distinction between quantity and quality.
Mill more altruistic utilitarianism and less egoist than Bentham.
Mill rejects hedonic calculus.
What are Mill’s views on human misery?
People have duty to minimize suffering; much of misery is humanly caused and therefore humanly correctable; lack of personal enjoyment in life results from selfishness and want of mental cultivation
How does Mill conceptualize the relationship between government and the individual?
democracy best form of government to allow individual self-expression and self-fulfillment; govt should maximize individual liberties within limits; constraining limits can and should be placed on individuals actions that would harm others.
