PHIL 120W Lecture Notes - John Stuart Mill, Nuclear Meltdown
Document Summary
All pleasures are the same : duration is what matters. John stuart mill (1806) better to be socrates dissatisfied than a pig satisfied . Socrates" life has more value than a pig, even if he has pain. He has done good, making him better than the pig. Reading an intellectual book is greater than watching soap operas all day . One ought to play chess, not get drunk . Higher (mental) vs. lower (physical) pleasures i. e. , engaging your mind by playing chess vs. getting drink. Our lives are qualitatively better than animals or fools . Appeal to a panel of experienced judges. Listen to the panel of judges and judge by yourself what is better. Example: nuclear meltdown is a good thing because it promotes safer plants because of upgrades after the meltdown.