How Adequate Is Mill’s Conception of Happiness How Good...

How adequate is Mill’s conception of happiness? How good are his arguments to show that â€Å"higher† pleasures are intrinsically more desirable than â€Å"lower† ones? Is this distinction consistent with the thesis that pleasure is the only thing of value? In â€Å"Utilitarianism† Mill argues that ‘higher’ pleasures are intrinsically more valuable than ‘lower’ pleasures, citing the invariable preference of men who have access to both available (pp.140). I am inclined to disagree, particularly with regards to his assertion that ‘higher’ pleasures have such a â€Å"superiority of quality†(pp.139), so as to render any quantity of ‘lower’ pleasures â€Å"in comparison, of small account†- this non-cardinal view of pleasure raises many discontinuities. This is†¦show more content†¦In Mill’s favour is the seemingly fundamental difference between human and animal pleasures, and ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ pleasures as an extension of this. He draws our attention to this with his assertion that we would prefer to be a â€Å"human being unsatisfied than a pig satisfied† (pp.140). This seems similar to earlier comparisons, but there is an important distinction. Mill highlights that anyone who doesn’t believe there are intrinsically more desirable higher pleasures is forced to concede it would be better to live as a beast. ‘Higher’ pleasures are an embodiment of our higher faculties and I believe that our enjoyment of these is an important marker of what makes us human. Which animal enjoys solving mathematics? Thus, as far as the distinction between human and animal pleasures, Mill’s claim seems reasonable. Another strength of Mill’s argument is his choice of words surrounding the ‘lower’ pleasures. We are told of a â€Å"satisfied† pig, and a â€Å"content† fool (pp.139-140). These sound like oxymoron, but also remind us of the much higher capacity for enjoyment of more intelligent people. A fool is easily contented, for he can easily exhaust the pleasure sources available to him. For the intelligent man or woman, the myriad of options available to them ensures they can never be lazily â€Å"content†. In addition, Mill’s views surrounding the ‘higher’ pleasures cannot beShow MoreRelatedOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 Pages. Organization Theory Challenges and Perspectives John McAuley, Joanne Duberley and Phil Johnson . This book is, to my knowledge, the most comprehensive and reliable guide to organisational theory currently available. What is needed is a text that will give a good idea of the breadth and complexity of this important subject, and this is precisely what McAuley, Duberley and Johnson have provided. They have done some sterling service in bringing together the very diverse strands of work

Analysis Of The Hiding Place By Betsie Ten Boom - 1016 Words

The Hiding Place – Betsie Ten Boom A Dutch woman, well-known as Betsie Ten Boom the daughter of a watchmaker, who is frail because anime and persecution but enjoys making every place she goes more homely and warm, has the faith, the serenity, and the complete conviction that the Lord is always there in every circumstance. This faith takes Betsie and her sister through the hardships they endure in the prisons and concentration camps where they are incarcerated. While her sister tends to pray for their needs, Betsie prays for their enemies, whom she sees through God’s eyes the guards, everyone who mistreats them, even thanking God for the fleas in their bunks. Her chestnut hair and elegant figure make her very graceful, but her kindness,†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"even though she knew preaching is not a human invention but a gracious creation of God and a central part of His revealed will for caring and loving. â€Å"Betsie had dome my hair that morning, labouring for an hour with the curling iron unti l it was piled high on my head- and so far, for wonder, it had stayed† (Page 39) There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for other. Her faith continues, As Betsie relied on Corrie’s physical strength, Corrie relied on Betsie’s spiritual strength. Betsie humbly seeks to achieves this through what she says, â€Å"That wasn’t all.† Oh yes†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢. to one another and to all. Rejoice always pray constantly, give thank in all circumstances; for this is the god in Jesus Christ† (Page 185). However, this quote shows how Betsie’s words were continuously inspire and encouraging others and this essentially means whatever happens in your life, no matter how troubling things might seem, do not enter the neighbourhood of despair. Even when all doors remain closed, God will open up a new path only for you always be thankful. ‘‘Betsie’s fingers traced a pattern on the wooden sink worn smooth by generation of Ten Booms. â€Å"I don’t know† she said softly. â€Å"But if god has

The day I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles Free Essays

When I decided to go to the United States, my friends were really envious of me. They called the United States ‘Dream Land’, and so did I. Yes, I came here to make my dreams come true. We will write a custom essay sample on The day I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles or any similar topic only for you Order Now I was so excited. When I boarded the airplane, my heart was beating faster and faster. And when I got off in the San Francisco International Airport, everything looked different from my country. Everything was beautiful. I admired the buildings, the people, I even thought that the sky here was so beautiful that home could not compare. Back home I hated it when it rains but here I thought of rainy days as romantic. The wind here was as cool as strawberry ice cream. I just loved everything in this ‘Dream Land’.   This was paradise to me, where I thought everyone is an angel. Little did I know that this illusion would soon be over, and this is the story of how my ‘Dream Land’ crumbled before my very eyes. Everything started when I decided I needed a car. Back home, I never felt the inconvenience of not having a car. I could go almost everywhere by foot and if I had to go somewhere far the bus can be relied on. However, ‘Dream land’ is huge; I could not go to market without a car. Everything was far from my place and the buses never came on time, so I spend hours on the road to get to where I need to go. That’s why I decided to buy a car. My parents however did not understand my situation. My father thought I envied friends who have cars, but eventually he agreed and said that if I can get a license he will buy me a car. My teacher gave me driver’s hand book to study and wrote a letter for the DMV to explain that I am an international student and that I needed assistance to get my driver’s license. During that time I was as student in the English as a Second Language center at Sac State. My English was not good. I had difficulty expressing myself in English. I could understand what they are saying but I could not give a reply since it was so hard for me to say what I am thinking. That’s why my teacher wanted the DMV officer to read her letter. When I went to DMV, I had to wait an hour and half until my number was called even if I had a reservation. An hour and a half was really a long time to wait, but that was still okay with me. My frustration started right after that. I went to the window which has my number on the screen. There was old white lady. She looked very blunt and never smiled. I said, â€Å"Hi, um,, I   want to take a test for the driver’s license.† But, she did not understand what I said. She repeatedly said â€Å"Excuse me, what? What?† I was losing my confidence. Americans would never understand, how scary it is for a foreigner when they say ‘What?’ in a condescending if not antagonizing way. Any way, when she finally understood me, I showed her my documents, including my   passport, I-20 and the letter that my teacher wrote. The blunt old white lady said to me. ‘No, you can not take a test because you do not have social security number.’ I politely explained to her that I could not understand because international students can not get social security number, and some of my friends took test just a day before, but she said ‘why are you talking about your friends? I do not care about them. The problem is that you do not have social security number.’ I felt that she was annoyed and did not want to listen to my poor English. So, finally I asked her to read the letter. However, she did not read it and said ‘Sac State is not my government.’ I was speechless with amazement, and I could not accept what she said. When I tried to say something, she said ‘why are you still here? If you can not follow American law, go back to your country.’ She was really rude. And the experience was   so frustrating for me. That was the day I realized that this place is not the ‘Dream Land’ I thought it to be. The angel has turned into a scary antagonizing monster, whom I hate. As I walked to the bus stop I could not stop my tears from falling and soon I was crying so hard. It was a very painful experience for me. I was so humiliated by the way the rude white lady who does not know what is legal. I hated her. I hated myself for not being able to express my thoughts in English. And I hated this ‘Dream land’ where they do not give social security number to international students, and want to us pay ten times expensive tuition fee than that paid by their citizens. That was the day I understood what racism means. I am an Asian who could not speak English well, so the white lady did not listen to me. I thought to myself, this not ‘Dream land’ after all, the old lady at the DMV made me realize just that and she did it in a really painful manner. I went to the mall to meet my friend and tell this story because if I did not tell this story that day, I think I would have died.   We sat at the food court, and spoke in Korean. I felt so relieved that I could speak in my mother tongue and be understood by my friend. Suddenly, an old white man came to us. He asked us, ‘What language are you guys talking with?’ We said, ‘Korean’. We thought he was interested in listening to another language. However, it was another illusion. He explained that we have to speak only in English in the ‘Dream land.’ We were so offended by what he said but what offended us more and made us very angry were his last words to us. He said ‘Go to the restroom and wash your mouths.’ I could not believe he was insulting us because we did not speak in English. From that day, ‘Dream land’ is not dream land to me any more. And I realize how wrong I was to think that this is ‘Dream Land†. There is no dream land and no angels. It was really a sad experience for me to be treated unfairly because of my race and poor English. From then on, I studied English very hard until I could speak very well. Nowadays, when I see people who can not speak English well at the mall or on the road, I try my best to help them and I am always careful not to say anything that would ruin their confidence because I do not want to break their dreams like the old white lady did to me. If they still think this is ‘Dream Land’ I do not want to ruin it for them.       How to cite The day I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Essay examples

How Revolutionary Was the American Revolution Essay free essay sample

The American Revolution was a major change In our history. Many things have happened to show this major change In our history such as, The Boston Massacre, The Tax Act, Boston Tea Part, and The Battle at Saratoga. These are Just some of the things that happened during the American Revolution. The American Revolution was mostly a radical change because of the extreme changes In political, social, and economical areas.Socially, the American Revolution changed radically because of the abolition of slavery, the women, and the men coming together. The first document was written In 1961 It shows a map with dates on the states to tell you when slavery ended. It finally all ended In 1865 In the south. The northern states ended earlier and were the first to end in 1777. The second document was written In 1776 It Is a letter written to John Adams from his wife Abigail Adams. Its a letter to him telling him the unfairness the women have. We will write a custom essay sample on How Revolutionary Was the American Revolution Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It also states the fact that women want and deserve ore freedom than they have at the moment. The letter also explains how the women are going to start fighting for their rights if they dont get them soon. The last document was written in 1797 it is a picture of men playing billiards, it is the rich and poor men playing together. It symbolizes that it doesnt matter what your rank or status is and that everyone can play together and it wont matter. After reading these documents you can see why the revolution was such a radical change in American history.