A Brief Discussion of Evaluative Hedonism in John Mill's "Utilitarianism"

In his work Utilitarianism Mill advances a theory known as evaluative hedonism, which states that pleasure is the only thing which itself is intrinsically good. The theory continues that other things that a person might consider good are good because of the pleasure that they provide. This idea in and of itself is compelling. If one considers a normal person’s actions, for example eating a meal, going to a sporting event, watching TV, smoking a cigarette, etc., the outcome of the activity is some sort of pleasure. In other words, if one considers the action of eating a meal it is clear that this activity brings pleasure.

Consider a thanksgiving meal. The table is set with steaming hot turkey that is neatly sliced and sitting on a plate in its own juices, a bowl of mashed potatoes sits looking at the people around the table inviting them to dig in. Plates with cranberries, stuffing, salads, and bread also adorn the table. Most people who have just eaten a thanksgiving meal, if asked how they felt, would reply that they felt good and full. The food itself was merely food, but the pleasure that one derives from eating such a meal is what makes it good.

Another example is smoking. Smoking is understood today to be harmful to one’s body and potentially lethal over time. Still, millions of people light up daily. When a young adult tries his or her first cigarette, the ultimate desired goal is pleasure. Whether this individual is smoking to fit in, to feel accepted, or just to experiment with something new, the goal is still pleasure. Fitting in is a good feeling, as it gives one confidence and strength and makes an individual feel accepted. Likewise, experimentation is often the only way to know if something is enjoyable or not. How can one make a judgment about an experience, such as drinking cherry coke, if one has never tried it? Ultimately, this idea is very compelling. It is difficult to think of a situation in which one does not seek some sort of pleasure or enjoyment.