Suppose for someone there are only two possible actions: (1) read Aristotle, or (2) spend a weekend on a tropical isle filled with intensely pleasurable debauchery. Under these circumstances, John Stuart Mill would likely
A) spend a week in intensely pleasurable debauchery.
B) refrain from making such a choice.
C) combine reading Aristotle with debauchery.
D) read Aristotle.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

John Stuart Mill, a proponent of utilitarianism, argued that higher pleasures (such as intellectual pursuits) are more valuable than lower pleasures (such as physical or sensual pleasures). Reading Aristotle would be considered a higher pleasure compared to the lower pleasure of debauchery, thus Mill would likely choose to read Aristotle.

Suppose for Someone There Are Only Two Possible Actions: (1)