Where do we find the ultimate value of our existence? What is instrumental to affirm that value?
We want to think our lives are fundamentally good; but how do we know when we are merely part of the swinish multitude? Can’t we be a bit swinish if that leads to something else that is good? Hummm…
Is it really better to be a human being dissatisfied, than a pig satisfied? Imagine all our learning, culture and nobler pleasures cast into the mire and trodden down under the hoofs of a swinish multitude, calculating only their immediate pleasures with some felicific calculus.
the Porcine Oracle
Additional information:
- Felicific calculus – So, math can help me to calculate how much pleasure a specific action is likely to cause? I need to find a calculator app that does this on my phone!
- Utilitarianism – Here is a doctrine that states that the useful is the good, and that the only determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences. To me this sounds like just another way to justify your choices…
- Doctrine of Swine Objection – We all know some folks who have the same goals in life as pigs. Eh, there are probably worse things, right? Right!?!
- Intrinsic and Instrumental Good – Here are some deep considerations on the potential good of the swinish multitude or any other choice we make. I hope there is a sweet spot somewhere between these contemplations and simple spontaneous reactions.