Oct. 10, 2018
Spongebob Squarepants may just be, at it's most simple evaluation, a children's show that doesn't provide any sort of deep thought or life lessons for anyone to grasp onto and think about. If watched for the sake of pure comedy, that would be a valid point. However, analyzing the show further through Spongebob Squarepants and Philosophy: Soaking Up Secrets Under the Sea! has brought to my attention interesting and thought-provoking points on the complexities of the human psyche based off specific character traits and motives throughout the show. I'll be analyzing the chapter The Rule of Dumb? written by Timothy Dunn.
In episode 68a, otherwise known as "Patrick Smartpants" or "Abracamoron," Patrick and Spongebob are enjoying a day in Jellyfish fields until a tag game leads Patrick to run off a clip and literally lose his head. Upon the reattachment of his head, found by Spongebob, Patrick is immediately graced with the gift of vast knowledge and peripatetic desires, stating: "Let us go off and admire the beauty and fragility of nature." Abandoning his previous pursuit of child-like activities with his best friend Spongebob, he seeks what John Stuart Mill would refer to as "higher pleasures."
To provide more context, John Stuart Mill was a British philosopher who lived throughout most of the 19th century and was one of the leading defenders in the theory of hedonistic utilitarianism. This theory provided the thought that "the rightness of an action depends entirely on the amount of pleasure it tends to produce and the amount of pain it prevents" or that which "maximizes happiness for all." However, Mill's interpretation of this theory is quite different than other philosophers that also supported it, such as Jeremy Bentham.
Mill claims that there are distinctively two types of pleasure: higher pleasures which tend to be more intellectually based, and lower pleasures that are more animalistic in nature. But how exactly is there to be an overall agreement on which pleasures are necessarily better than others? Mill sees it that not only the quantity but also the quality of pleasure must be taken into account, and that beings with "higher" needs and pleasures require more to make them happy, such as comparing human needs to that of a dog's. However, by the end of the episode "Patrick Smartpants," Patrick decides to go against Mill's position and sacrifices his extensive knowledge for the simpler joys that he had with Spongebob. Mill would've considered him to be foolish. Despite this, Patrick still follows the path of a hedonistic utilitarian in his own way.
Being a show for children, the structure of the plot was fairly predictable once Patrick is deemed too intellectual for even Squidward and Sandy, both kicking him out due to being offended by his condescending nature. Not only that, but he also loses his connection with his best friend and tries everything he can to attempt to have "fun" with him again, without much success. He's lost the child-like wonderment that sadly dissipates when one grows up and learns the truths of society, something everyone comes to terms with eventually. While Patrick may be written as a somewhat adult, he also acts like a child. Children watching the program would reflect themselves through Patrick's character, wanting him to be a "kid" again as they are.
The question is, would it be better in Patrick's situation to be a dissatisfied genius or a satisfied imbecile? Mill would conclude that the former of the two options is the correct choice. However, take into account the differing views of today's society to that of Mill's time in the 1800's, as well as others own personal views of pleasure. Some people might find that the higher pleasure is going to an all-you-can-eat buffet or having sex with your significant other compared to reading a captivating book or watching an intriguing play. The way I see it, those who've acquired a more intellectual outlook on the world and pursue greater knowledge will see eye to eye with Mill's higher pleasures, while those less educated and outward thinking will find the lower pleasures to be the answer to life's happiness.
QUIZ QUESTIONS:
- What group believed the right action in life is one that maximizes happiness for all?
- Would Mill have approved of Patrick’s own personal preference of pleasure?
- What attributes define higher pleasures?
- What attributes define lower pleasures?
- True or False: Animals can have both higher and lower pleasures.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you find yourself more satisfied with “higher” pleasures or “lower” pleasures?
- Do you believe something as valuable as knowledge is worth giving up for friendship, or do you find it foolish as would Mill?
- Would you rather be a dissatisfied genius or a happy dummy?
For more information on hedonistic utilitarianism:
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