Activity 2 – Utilitarianism

1. Are all pleasure commensurable? Can they be evaluated on a single scale? Can some
goods, like friendships, be balanced against other goods, like money?
 No, because our personal pleasures were discovered in quite different ways, and
different kinds of pleasures cannot be compared. But I think it's out of proportion when
it comes to wealth and friendship. Yes, when we have all we desire, money can offer us
with pleasures, and if we work hard enough, we can easily gain fortune. However, more
than money, I prized and treasured the pleasures I received from my friend. Yes, when
we have all we desire, money may provide us pleasures, and if we work hard, we can
easily obtain money, but true friendship is hard to find.

2. Mill revises utilitarianism by arguing for “higher” pleasures. Which pleasures are higher?
 The pleasure that are more desirable than the ones that are less valuable. The pleasure
of discovering new things and assisting others, for example are more desirable than the
pleasures of eating and drinking. A higher level of pleasure is often described as people
choosing it over another pleasure, even if is associated with pain, and not trading it for a
greater amount of the other pleasure.

3. Mill proposes that “higher” pleasures are those preferred by the majority of people. Do
you agree that this is a good way of distinguishing between higher and lower pleasures?
Can a well-informed majority prefer higher pleasures?
 Because some members of the majority are irresponsible and mistaken, I disagree. What
if the majority of individuals chose using drugs for their enjoyment? or even sex if you
also smoke and drink? We are well aware that minorities are not permitted to use these
things or carry out these actions. We are unable to conclusively state if the vast majority
of people can distinguish between greater and lower enjoyment levels. For me,
pleasures are for everyone, regardless of whether they belong to the majority or not.
We can, however, distinguish between them on our own. There is a lot of hardship and
giving up in life.
4. Do you agree that happiness is the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain, and that
all actions are directed toward pleasure?
 In my opinion, pressure is not pursued in an effort to avoid suffering since it would be
escapism, which would eventually result in a vicious cycle of quick happiness and
sorrow. We all want things that make us feel good, but the motivation behind our
desires is what counts.

5. Is it justifiable to build a basketball court because there are basketball fans, than to build
hospitals because there are fewer sick people?
 No, it is never acceptable to construct a basketball court just because there are
basketball fans but no hospitals for the sick. If there is a budget, put those aims first.
Basketball courts can wait if there is money left over from the budget. Look after your
fellow humans, treat them, and let them recuperate. Always prioritize your health. The
moment is right to create a basketball court for basketball fanatics if there are enough
hospitals to house sick people.

6. When is it justifiable to torture suspected criminals?

 Never should a suspect in a crime be tortured. They are the alleged or suspected
culprits, as you stated. Do you recall that you must first be proven guilty in order to be
found guilty? Given that they are also people, criminals are entitled to protection under
the law. Despite losing their civil and political rights, they are nonetheless covered by
basic human rights as long as they remain on this earth.