Single Idea 20883

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 2. Ideal of Pleasure]

Full Idea

Most utilitarians now think that pleasure, even if construed widely, is not the only thing desirable in itself. ...Goods also include important knowledge, friendship, autonomy, achievement and so on.

Gist of Idea

Modern utilitarians value knowledge, friendship, autonomy, and achievement, as well as pleasure

Source

Brad W. Hooker (Rule Utilitarianism and Euthanasia [1997], 2)

Book Reference

'Ethics in Practice (2nd Ed)', ed/tr. LaFollette,Hugh [Blackwell 2002], p.23


A Reaction

That pleasure is desired is empirically verifiable, which certainly motivated Bentham. A string of other desirables each needs to be justified - but how? What would be the value of a 'friendship' if neither party got pleasure from it?