FAQ About John Stuart Mill
How does Mill's conception of higher and lower pleasures affect his utilitarianism?
Mill's concept of higher and lower pleasures introduces a qualitative dimension to utilitarianism. Higher pleasures refer to intellectual and moral pursuits which he considered superior to lower, more base physical pleasures. This distinction affects moral decision-making by suggesting that actions should aim at promoting higher pleasures for individuals, thus enriching life beyond mere physical gratification and influencing complex ethical evaluations.
