Is Mill's distinction of higher and lower pleasures justified? Anonymous College

In an attempt to amend the traditional Benthamite hedonic calculus in which simply the quantity of pain or pleasure is considered, Mill, within his Utilitarianism, postulates an additional qualitative distinction resulting in the notion of a 'higher' or a 'lower' pleasure. Scholars have since questioned whether such a distinction is truly justified; as Martin observes: 'Mill's contention has been subjected to a widespread , and withering, philosophical criticism.' (Rex Martin (1972). A defense of Mill's Qualitative Hedonism. Philosophy, 47, p.140) In this essay, I will seek to sustain the line of argument that, if Mill is to maintain the label of a true hedonist, his distinction between higher and lower pleasures is unjustified. Hedonistic title aside, it appears that the higher/lower pleasure distinction presents numerous other difficulties, both theoretically and practically. Though many might view the distinction as a necessary one, Mill's justification of it is not strong enough to avoid further problems for the Utilitarian.

Before engaging in evaluation of Mill's qualitative hedonism, it is perhaps worth clarifying the distinction between, and reasons for the distinction between, higher and lower pleasures. Mill, amongst...