The Hermeneutic Circle and Mill's Moral and Political Philosophy: Insights into Critical Reading

The Hermeneutic Circle and Mill's Moral and Political Philosophy: Insights into Critical Reading

Introduction:

Developed by Martin Heidegger, the hermeneutic circle is a concept that emphasizes the interrelation between individual parts of a text and the whole. It suggests that our understanding of a text is shaped by our comprehension of each part and how it contributes to the overall meaning. Context plays a crucial role in critical reading, and being aware of our expectations, existing beliefs, and prior knowledge about a topic is essential. Furthermore, the hermeneutic circle encourages re-reading a text to refine our interpretation and gain a deeper understanding. In this article, we will explore the application of the hermeneutic circle to critical reading and delve into the moral and political philosophy of John Stuart Mill.

The Hermeneutic Circle: A Key to Critical Reading

The hermeneutic circle elucidates that our understanding of a text evolves as we progress in comprehension. By comparing our initial context at the start of reading to the updated context at the end, we can observe our progress and gain new perspectives. This concept is analogous to game apps where players start with a small town and, upon revisiting the initial location after making progress, witness the extent of their achievements. The hermeneutic circle underlines the importance of context, which continually transforms as we delve deeper into a text.

Mill's Moral and Political Philosophy

John Stuart Mill, a renowned philosopher, made significant contributions to moral and political philosophy, specifically in utilitarianism and liberalism. Utilitarianism assesses actions and institutions based on their impact on human happiness, advocating for actions and designs that maximize happiness. Mill's focus shifted towards the development of well-rounded individuals and the role of culture, feeling, and creativity in personal happiness. While Mill builds upon the utilitarian and liberal principles of his predecessors, he also introduces transformative ideas that diverge from their beliefs.

Understanding Mill's Transformation of Utilitarianism

Mill diverges from the hedonistic views of Jeremy Bentham and James Mill, who perceive happiness solely as pleasure. While they emphasize psychological egoism, asserting that individuals pursue their own happiness, Mill broadens the understanding of happiness and motivation. He recognizes that an individual's ultimate desire is their own happiness but acknowledges that it is not the sole desire. Furthermore, Mill challenges the Radicals' conception of pleasure, introducing the idea of higher pleasures derived from intellectual pursuits and activities that hold intrinsic value beyond mere contentment.

The Concept of Higher Pleasures

Mill's higher pleasures doctrine presents a challenge to the hedonistic perspective. He argues that activities of intellectual pursuit possess inherent value regardless of the amount of contentment they produce. This perspective supports the notion that higher activities are intrinsically more valuable than lower pursuits. Mill suggests that competent judges, guided by a sense of the value of higher capacities, prefer these activities. By emphasizing the exercise of higher capacities, Mill aligns with a perfectionist approach to happiness, asserting that human happiness lies in the proper utilization of essential capacities.

The Relationship Between Duty and Happiness

Mill's views on the relationship between duty and happiness remain somewhat ambiguous. While he claims that utility is the ultimate appeal in ethical questions, grounded in the long-term interests of progressive beings, he also highlights the importance of moral responsibility and self-governance. Mill suggests that moral responsibility involves self-mastery, enabling individuals to deliberate on the appropriateness of desires and regulate actions accordingly. Duty, for Mill, is intricately connected to happiness, but the exact nature of this relationship requires further exploration.

Actionable Advice:

• 1. Embrace the Hermeneutic Circle: Adopt a mindset of constant refinement and progress in your understanding of texts. Re-read them to gain new perspectives and insights.

• 2. Consider Context: Before diving into a text, reflect on your expectations, existing beliefs, and prior knowledge about the topic. This awareness will enhance your critical reading experience.

• 3. Explore Beyond Pleasure: Challenge the notion that pleasure is the sole determinant of happiness. Engage with intellectual pursuits and activities with intrinsic value to achieve a more well-rounded understanding of happiness.

Conclusion:

The hermeneutic circle serves as a valuable tool for critical reading, reminding us of the interconnectedness of individual parts within a text. Applying this concept enables us to refine our interpretation and gain new perspectives. Furthermore, delving into John Stuart Mill's moral and political philosophy sheds light on the transformation of utilitarian and liberal principles. Mill's emphasis on higher pleasures and the relationship between duty and happiness presents thought-provoking insights into the complexities of moral philosophy. By incorporating the actionable advice provided, readers can enhance their critical reading skills and develop a deeper understanding of complex texts.