How Does John Stuart Mill Define Happiness

The concepts of pleasure and happiness are integral pieces of the human experience, and have been discussed in depth by philosophies seeking to understand human behavior. What one defines as ‘pleasurable’ determines the very fabric of their existence; how people decide to live is based largely on what they enjoy. Consequently, traditions such as Shirttails form based upon the pleasures which communities deem valuable. In Utilitarianism, John Stuart Mill argues for the existence of ‘higher’ and ‘lower’ pleasures, intrinsically separated by value and accessibility (Mill 1863). Examples of John Stuart Mill’s ‘higher’ pleasures include the technical enjoyment of opera or the intellectual stimulation garnered during debate (Mill 1863). ‘Lower’
He argues that this distinction exists due to the higher faculties of human beings when compared to other animals (Mill 1863, 5). These higher capabilities allow humans mental, emotional, and social pleasures that other living creatures cannot enjoy (Mill 1863, 5). John Stuart Mill asserts that these “kinds of pleasure are more desirable and more valuable than others” and that those who have experienced both support this claim (Mill 1863, 6). He goes as far as to value these ‘higher’ types of pleasure over their counterparts in kind, arguing that their quality immensely outweighs any quantity of the ‘lower’ pleasures (Mill 1863, 6). People with the highest faculties are able to experience both types, and routinely choose elevated pleasures due to their longevity and dignity (Mill 1863, 6). John Stuart Mill believes this elite preference to be evidence of ‘higher’ pleasures’ intrinsic value (Mill
I, like John Stuart Mill, recognize the intrinsic value of behaviors which separate mankind from other animals (Mill 1863, 5). Undoubtedly, the pleasures gleaned from distinctly human activities are an important part of any life. John Stuart Mill’s ‘higher’ pleasures deserve their classification- they are, in fact, experienced because of the development of human intellect. However, I do not believe that these pleasures are intrinsically more valuable than physical ones. Harriet Taylor Mill’s discussion of the ‘higher’ pleasures available through physical activity has shaped how I view the nature of pleasures in general. Physical desires remind us of our reliance on our bodies; when we enjoy food or sex we fulfill the same needs as those of our distant ancestors. The pleasures derived from the satisfaction of physical desire are a natural and necessary piece of human existence, and might culminate in ‘higher’ order pleasure. Like Bentham, I believe that the value of a certain pleasure depends on many individualized variables (Gibbs 1986, 42). John Stuart Mill’s reluctance to explore his quantity versus quality rule is evidence enough that it falls short of perfection. Defining certain activities as worth more than others based upon a universal moral standard fails to account for the individuality of contemporary society. In addition, I agree