The Mill-Bentham Debate

The Mill-Bentham debate centers on how society should promote happiness and well-being. John Stuart Mill argued for qualitative differences, emphasizing higher pleasures like intellectual and artistic fulfillment, which he believed are more valuable than mere physical pleasures. Jeremy Bentham, on the other hand, promoted a utilitarian approach focused on maximizing total happiness through quantifiable pleasures and pain reduction, regardless of their nature. In essence, Mill prioritized quality of pleasure, while Bentham emphasized quantity. Their differing views influence modern ideas about ethics, policy, and how best to achieve societal well-being.