The concept of pleasure and pain and, therefore, happiness and suffering are totally objective when the other-regarding sphere is involved, when our actions directly affect other people without their consent. However, and this is the important point, things change drastically in the self-regarding sphere, and they change for utilitarian reasons.
Mill insists many times that each one of us is the most competent person to decide what our own well-being and pleasure is. He says that 14 14 Mill, , p. He is the person who is most interested in his own well-being. This is what Fuchs 15 15 Fuchs, , p. The epistemological argument, I believe, has a very important role in a correct understanding of Mill's philosophy. In fact, if each of us knows better than anyone else about what brings us pleasure and pain, each of us knows better than anyone else what our happiness and our suffering consist of.
This claim is not inconsistent with his previous claim in "Utilitarianism" that there are some kinds of pleasures that are more valuable than others, since in "On Liberty" he is just asserting that in the self-regarding sphere people should be free even to ignore the verdict of history and experience.
In the other-regarding sphere the judgment of experience and accumulated knowledge through history has moral and legal force. In the self-regarding sphere the judgment of experienced people only has prudential value and the reason for this is precisely that, when all is said and done, each of us is a better judge than anyone else to decide what causes us pain and which kind of pleasure we prefer.
According to Mill: 16 16 Mill, , p. Such are the differences among human beings in their source of pleasure, their susceptibilities of pain, and the operation on them of different physical and moral agencies, that unless there is a corresponding diversity in their modes of life, they neither obtain their fair share of happiness, nor grow up to the mental, moral, and aesthetic stature of which their nature is capable.
Why then should tolerance, as far as the public sentiment is concerned, extend only to tastes and modes of life which extort acquiescence by the multitude of their adherents? If the Greatest Happiness Principle is nothing but the aggregate of each person's happiness, leaving people free even to cause harm for themselves we still would be maximizing happiness, given the epistemological claim.
If each of us knows better than anyone else what causes us pain and pleasure, what causes the happiness or suffering of the majority of people does not necessarily cause the happiness or suffering of a minority of individuals that, for whatever reason, does not have the same feelings of the majority.
In other words, even though humankind has an objective criterion, an accumulated knowledge to decide what causes suffering and which pleasures are more valuable in society, society does not know what each individual feels like being painful or pleasurable. Thus, society cannot impose its views on individuals, forcing them to renounce their pleasures, on pain of not maximizing happiness, which would go against the Greatest Happiness Principle.
This is the reason why Mill says: 17 17 Ibidem, p. In the conduct of human beings towards one another, it is necessary that general rules should for the most part be observed, in order that people may know what they have to expect; but in each person's concern, his individual spontaneity is entitled to free exercise.
Considerations to aid his judgement, exhortations to strengthen his will, may be offered to him, even obtruded on him, by others; but he himself is the final judge. All errors which he is likely to commit against advice and warning, are far outweighed by the evil of allowing others to constrain him to what they deem his good.
This reasoning is only complete, however, if it is understood that total freedom of action in the self-regarding sphere has another utility, i. And are precisely these experiments in the self-regarding sphere that will make room for the improvement of the judgment of the competent judges each of us and humankind as a whole bringing the moral development of humankind through history.
Here, I interpret Mill as if he understands liberty in the self-regarding sphere as necessary for the maximization of happiness in the long term. In fact, if none of us ever experienced the low pleasures at some time in our lives, mankind would never be able to reach the state of having experienced people the competent judges because humankind would never learn from their mistakes.
What I am actually saying here is that it is possible to conciliate the objective and the subjective criteria for, in the long run, the subjective criteria is one of the main conditions for the establishment of the objective criteria.
It does not mean, however, that the objective criteria will never be applied. It will be applied, for example in the legal sphere, where the criteria to determine what is harmful, or not, to others should be totally objective no one could say, for example, that they did not know that burning someone with a lit cigarette is painful and harmful.
However, people should be free to act foolishly because, considering the history of the whole of mankind, past, present and future, happiness will still be maximized in the long term. Even if we objectively know that the life of a dissatisfied Socrates is better than the life of a satisfied fool, the satisfied fool contributes for the Greatest Happiness because, were it not for the foolish, we would never produce the experienced the competent judges people who know both sides, learning from the vast experience of others.
So, even though the choices of the fool can be criticized although never prohibited using the objective criteria, the choices of a fool, will paradoxically maximize happiness in the long term, as the Greatest Happiness Principle is about the maximization of general happiness, and learning from the mistakes of some people will make the majority of people avoid making the same mistakes.
It is just that in the self-regarding sphere people are completely free to subvert this order, if they wish, and taking into consideration the whole of mankind through history and time, these actions will still maximize happiness.
In a future ideal utilitarian state whose idea in Mill is probably a mixture of Bentham's utilitarianism and some socialist ideas 19 19 See Mill [] , pp In order to achieve this ideal utilitarian state, 20 20 Mill, , p. On the other hand, as a second condition, in order for humankind to reach this ideal state one day, people should have complete liberty in the self-regarding sphere, even liberty to make mistakes and to do what humankind believes that would harm themselves, because this is one of the most efficient ways that each of us individually and humankind collectively has to learn, correct mistakes and to find new sources of pleasure, maximizing happiness.
The suffering that could be created in this process would be always outweighed by the fact that a people will have their pleasures and then what they believe is their happiness, and b in the long run humankind would be better off with competent judges each of us and our civilization as a whole learning also through experience which kinds of pleasures are more pleasurable and which kinds of pains should be more avoidable.
There are then utilitarian reasons, based on the Greatest Happiness Principle to admit that human freedom is a good. Liberty is then one of the main means to maximize happiness, even if, sometimes, by being free we can make ourselves suffer an avoidable suffering.
For a non-liberal account of self-harm see Groarke , pp. We are now in a position to provide an answer to the objection that the Greatest Happiness Principle could be in contradiction with the Principle of Liberty in cases of self-harm, solving the "little toe" problem.
In fact, even if we all know that it is foolish and stupid for people to cut off their own little toes without any foreseen benefit, causing unnecessary suffering for the perpetrator of the action, it actually does not breach the Utility Principle.
If the epistemological argument is to be accepted, each of us is the final judge about what causes us suffering and pain, and it is always possible that for some reasons people who are cutting their toes think that they will be more acceptable to society, or that they will be more attractive to facilitate the reasoning, imagine, for example, of body piercing and that will give them considerable amount of pleasure.
For them, the pleasure of being accepted by their group or being attractive overrides the pain of mutilation. Although his defence does not have the best ability even Van Gaal relied on the midfield, Robben and Ribery's ability to retain possession and hold the opposition back through their goal threat , you see with Maradona's Argentina that the players are in awe of him. They will run themselves into the ground for him.
They press so well, all over the park, epitomised by Veron and Messi, usually luxury players of the highest order, getting 'stuck in' and giving the side a defence from the front.
The attacking play has been typical of what we hoped for: freedom, flair, and Messi being the centre of play. What a magnificent player. Perhaps Maradona is not such a laughable manager, and the media are realising that he left out Cambiasso as he was bad for more important team morale, although I still do not understand the omission of Zanetti, especially when you see Gutierrez in his position!
The Maradona and Messi show is here to stay! Complain about this comment Comment number 1. Argentina has certainly been one of the more impressive sides so far. With their attacking options they always have a chance, a possible quarter-final with Germany could be a classic.
While he's no tactical genius, Diego isn't stupid. He knows he needs Messi to produce. Complain about this comment Comment number 2. With today's performance Argentina looks like sure for quarter final. After that its will be performance and luck. So faf Messi looks best player in this WC. Goals will follow for him sooner than later. Final Arg - Brazil will be great match. Complain about this comment Comment number 3. Maradona's managerial skills are being consistently overlooked, he's actually doing a fine job although Gutierrez at RB is bizarre.
Sublime so far from Messi, his level of play is just extraordinary. Complain about this comment Comment number 4. They're good to watch no doubt but they have Barcelona's attack and Newcastle's defence. In the games that really matter can they hold on to a victory with their defence, I just dont think so on current evidence and Brazil outclassed them in qualifying and other recent games. Brazil would still be better in the knockout phase if not quite as flamboyant. Fair play to Maradona though, his team is as entertaining on the pitch as he is off the pitch, bonkers but funny.
Complain about this comment Comment number 5. Argentina have been entertaining and played football with the right spirit and attitude. It is great to see all the South American teams unbeaten and doing well.
Argentina were slated for finishing 4th in their qualifying group behind Brazil, Paraguay and Chile but it seems all the above teams can give a good account of themselves, playing some decent football on the way. Football has become too Euro-centric, with coaches playing anti-football tactics such as only one lone striker, always playing for the off-side trap and sometimes preferring speed and aggression over skill.
Even though Maradona's Argentina are not perfect, it would be fantastic for the tournament if they can get to the semi's at least. As for Argentina's defensive frailties, no team at the moment looks secure at the back. England, without Ferdinand, have no pace in central defence, Italy look vulnerable on set-pieces , Spain were not looking the most organised Complain about this comment Comment number 6. At pm on 17 Jun , AJBullet wrote: They're good to watch no doubt but they have Barcelona's attack and Newcastle's defence haha very true.
Their attacking force is formidable, Aguero and Milito only making the bench says it all! I don't how bad Samuel's injury is but if he is out of the tournament then I expect high scoring games in the knock out stages probably high scoring with Samuel. Complain about this comment Comment number 7.
Complain about this comment Comment number 8. I give up. Complain about this comment Comment number 9. And you just can't stop a juggernaut once its rolling. Complain about this comment Comment number Does anyone think there are parallels between Maradona's management style and Kevin Keegans?
I'm a Newcastle fan and reckon as soon as Argentina comes up against a decent team with an experienced manager they'll be exposed badly. Camparisons: Great at motivating players and making them feel "loved" Loves forwards, not bothered about defence Occasional emotional outbursts at their peers I'd love it, love it etc and Pele's a tool etc Think tactics are used to keep your breath minty fresh Their both comedy characatures of themselves in a humiliating way I reckon they'll lose to Mexico in the 2nd round.
South American teams are never known for their defense. So I am not too worried about Argentina having the best of defense. To win, you need to attack and more importantly score. Brazil, unusually, are paying more attention on defense in this world cup. Not very pretty to watch them play, but very effective team. However, I question some of their forwards. However, if it so happens Brazil do come in Argentina'a way of upholding the world cup, then I wud hope and root for Argentina to win!
That's how a world cup should be won! I hope and pray for Maradona and his Team to win the world cup. Messi and Argentina is what football is all about, and I really hope they go all the way!!
Shame about Brazil, they seem designed very much like a European Team - all about winning at any cost!! My dream final would be Spain against Argentina!! From an englishmen!! Good luck argentina! The press forgets the trouble they were in before Maradona took over.
He benefits from the fact every player in that squad sees him almost as a demi god and will do exactly what he says. Also, as the game gets more and more manicured and emotionless, Maradona is a rare hearts on sleeve manager. He is lost in the moment in each game, celebrating goals like they are the greatest ever and feeling like the world is coming to an end when they concede.
In todays game, thats rare, and its nice to see because you know its no show from him. If he wasnt on the bench he would be in the stand leading the cheering with as much gusto! I don't think Argentina have been impressive at all. South Korea rolled over for them, and even then South Korea were somehow still in the game until Argentina were gifted a clearly offside goal to make it Let's not forget the first Argentina goal was a complete and total fluke, one of the worst own goals I have ever seen and that includes numerous highlight reels of outrageous own goals.
England and their fans have a peculiar fetish for Argentina, but this team will get bounced out of the tournament the first time they meet an opponent that is not intimidated, which is likely to be the round of 16 game. Any of the other South American teams will beat them, just like happened in qualifying. Well, I'd give Argentina against Uruguay.
Germany will completely wreck Argentina if they face in the round of 16 game. And Germany are not as strong as they looked against Australia. When I hear people say Messi is the best in the world as if that is some kind of fact He has been pretty good in the tournament so far, not exceptional.
If he wasn't famous, nobody would be saying he is the best in the tournament or for example any better than Tevez has been. Argentina and Maradona are a breath of fresh air and a more important question than are Argentina the new Brazil? Is Messi the new Maradona? Yeah Messi is the best player in the world by a country mile, possibly even the best player of all time and still, what, 22?
Argentina are great, attack, attack, attack!!! But watch out for Chile: same philosophy. Overoptimistic Chileabn view here, but is life for but to enjoy it by trying to score goals!! Sorry but Mardonna will cause them to fail as he is an average manager at best.
Argentina are playing well in-spite of him. Image if they had a cappello type of boss. They will fall to Uruguay, Mexico or Germany when they face a manager with superior skill. The players with a decent manager would walk the world cup as any manager with half a brain would not have left Zanetti and Cambissao. Blimey Alistair, you are half a miz-mog!! That said, I understand where you are coming from. The first round of games was always gonna be negative and only Argentina and germany did anything about that.
Brazil were poor, but in Brazil, they hate Dunga with a passion, perhaps I am beginning to see why and Spain returned to the "choker" role that they are so familiar with. The 2nd round of games have already begun to sort things out, Argetina are as good as through to the knock-out phase and the French got what they richly deserved tonight. The Nigerians have blown it thanks to their indiscipline while we wait and see about the Dutch.
All will be a lot clearer after Monday night when we are left approaching the final group games. This World Cup will explode into life from Tuesday 22nd onwards, even though my country was denied by the antics of Thierry Henry, I am still looking forward to some very exciting football! My top favourites for the cup at the moment, although I know it's way too soon, but exactly this the fun of the game: 1.
Germany 2. Argentina 3. Holland 4. Brazil 5. Italy Certainly no on else. This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. People just talk. Bilardo is the brain behind the team, Maradona is the body. There is noone better than him to motivate his players in a country where he's regardes as GOD. Guardiola had no experience but won ALL he could win in his first season.
You need the players to win. Diego even said it himself that the players make it easy for him. Just ignore Argentina. Who should we fear if not Argentina? Don't make me laugh. Argentina can only beat the team they're facing. England could not even beat the US even being up! I prefer Argentina to meet England rather than Mexico in the round of 16 eventhough I know that's not possible. Techinally El Tri are superior to England.
Messi will lift the WC maybe this WC or the next but he will England will be through but not to be taken for granted. I still can't see them beating the better sides and same goes for Argentina but then again they might do the Barca way of out scoring their opponents. Their play lead by Messi has been great but using midfielders as defenders will only get you far but one thing i'm realising is Maradona is using a very complicated system which could be a nightmare for teams to play against so you never know.
Germans will win it no matter what messi does and listen Messi is undeniably a great great footballer, but his performances so far are being way overhyped. Give some respect to the other Argentines; over exaggerating his performances undermines the rest of the team, he really isn't the one man show so many people seem to want him to be. Amongst other great Argentine performances, Higuain scored a hat-trick today, and still all the plaudits have gone to Messi.
I feel this player's status in the game is being elevated to compensate for the comparative mediocrity of this tournament so far; and the story is being worn out by fans of the game non-critically regurgitating what they've heard. James you make a good point but i feel you should pay more attention when watching.
Messi has often been criticised to not play well for his country or he plays well because of the likes of Xavi and Iniesta but in this tournament he is showing he creats and creats for others all by himself.
Tevez has been impressive as well and Higuain got his goals but even a blind man could see Messi 2 great performances so far. The mentality you need goals to have a great game is busted by Messi's performances and Tevez as well.
Veron was out today and he was the one who controlled the game in the middle with Tevez often helping. Been top 3 players on the tournament so far and more is expected. Motty reckons Germany were written off before a ball had been kicked. Not by me - I fancied them to win the cup.
But lets get it all into perspective. Germany beat the weakest team in their group. They were expected to win, and comfortably. Two of their goals were scored against ten men.
They have played one game. They have two tough games to play before they even qualify. Teams that peak towards the end of the world cup tend to be the ones that prosper. It seems everyone who thought Spain and Brazil would win it, now all of a sudden are backing Germany and Argentina.
Germany haven't qualified - they beat a team who can boast of recent loses and draws to the likes of Oman, Indonesia and Kuwait - They're whipping boys. Aguante Argentina!!!!!!! I can't see the videos, this message appears: "not available in your area"!!!!!!! At pm on 17 Jun , James wrote: Messi is undeniably a great great footballer, but his performances so far are being way overhyped.
I think hes had a cracking first two games, been the best player so far and unlucky not to be on the score sheet too. Sometimes folk do indeed go over board, but hes had a great start. I think argentinas poor defence will eventually cost them though, nigeria and korea have both made clear cut chances against them. I can see maradona setting his side out to simply make sure they score more than they concede. On a side note, Maradona is brilliant, hes almost as enertaining off the pitch as he was on it!
Argentina are sentimental favorites all the way through. Best player in the world, only know how to attack. They would never get very far - except that this is football and anything is possible.
Messi yet has to start scoring and we all know he can single-handedly win the most important games. It's also good to have a classic striker like Higuain. You don't see him but he's there, in the right location at the right time, ready to put in the easy ones.
A rare quality, invaluable for the team. Whisper it softly I'm actually beginning to quite like Argentina! And with a coach who seems to offer his players nothing but support, encouragement and enjoyable training methods, in contrast to our own , I'm even - god I can't quite believe I'm going to say this Only Gutierrez has anything to do with Newcastle, and for Newcastle he's an attacker, so how do Argentina have Newcastle's defence?
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