Question

What is the "Doctrine of Swine" objection to utilitarianism, and how does Mill respond to it?

A) The "Doctrine of Swine" objection argues that utilitarianism reduces humans to mere pleasure-seekers, similar to swine. Mill responds by emphasizing the higher intellectual and moral pleasures that distinguish humans from animals.
B) The "Doctrine of Swine" objection argues that utilitarianism promotes selfish and hedonistic behavior. Mill responds by asserting that utilitarianism promotes the common good.
C) The "Doctrine of Swine" objection suggests that utilitarianism is only applicable to animals, not humans. Mill responds by emphasizing that humans and animals share similar moral principles.
D) The "Doctrine of Swine" objection claims that utilitarianism is too complicated for practical use. Mill responds by simplifying the utilitarian framework.

Answer 1

The "Doctrine of Swine" objection criticizes utilitarianism for reducing humans to mere pleasure-seekers, but Mill responds by highlighting higher intellectual and moral pleasures that distinguish humans. He introduces the concept of higher and lower pleasures to address this objection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The "Doctrine of Swine" objection to utilitarianism argues that utilitarianism reduces humans to mere pleasure-seekers, similar to swine. Mill responds to this objection by emphasizing the higher intellectual and moral pleasures that distinguish humans from animals. He introduces the concept of higher and lower pleasures to distinguish between different qualities of pleasure. According to Mill, humans have higher cognitive faculties that give access to higher pleasures, which are a defining feature of human life.