A critique of utilitarianism. Critique of utilitarianism theory 2022-10-25

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Utilitarianism is a moral theory that suggests that the best action is the one that maximizes overall utility or happiness. It is based on the idea that the purpose of moral action is to produce the greatest balance of pleasure over pain for all affected parties. Utilitarianism has been influential in shaping modern ideas about ethics and has been embraced by many philosophers, political theorists, and economists. However, it has also been the subject of significant critique. In this essay, I will provide a critique of utilitarianism by discussing some of the major objections to the theory.

One of the main criticisms of utilitarianism is that it fails to take into account the inherent value of individual persons. According to utilitarianism, the value of a person's happiness or pleasure is simply a means to an end, and is not considered to have any intrinsic value. This means that the happiness or suffering of an individual could be sacrificed if it is believed that it would lead to a net increase in overall happiness. This approach to ethics is often seen as problematic because it fails to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of each person.

Another criticism of utilitarianism is that it is difficult, if not impossible, to accurately measure and compare the happiness or pleasure of different people. How do we determine which actions will result in the greatest overall happiness, and how do we weigh the happiness of one person against that of another? It is often difficult to make these calculations, and different people may have different opinions on what actions will lead to the greatest overall happiness. This subjectivity makes it difficult to apply utilitarianism in a consistent and fair way.

A third criticism of utilitarianism is that it may lead to unethical consequences. For example, consider a situation where a group of people are stranded on a deserted island and only have a limited supply of food. A utilitarian might argue that it is morally acceptable to sacrifice the happiness of one person for the greater good of the group. However, most people would find this approach to be morally repugnant and unacceptable.

Finally, some critics of utilitarianism argue that it is based on a fundamentally flawed view of human nature. According to utilitarianism, people are primarily motivated by their own pleasure and happiness. However, many people are motivated by a variety of other factors, such as their sense of duty, loyalty, compassion, and a desire to help others. Utilitarianism may not be able to adequately account for these other motivations and values, which may lead to an incomplete and unrealistic view of human behavior.

In conclusion, while utilitarianism has had a significant influence on modern ethical thought, it has also been the subject of significant critique. These criticisms include its failure to take into account the inherent value of individual persons, its difficulty in measuring and comparing happiness or pleasure, its potential to lead to unethical consequences, and its potentially flawed view of human nature. While utilitarianism may be a useful tool for thinking about moral problems, it is important to consider these criticisms and to consider alternative approaches to ethics.

Summary: Williams' Critique of Utilitarianism

a critique of utilitarianism

His celebrated thoughts can be found in his famous essay: Utilitarianism. Objection To Act Utilitarianism 1217 Words 5 Pages Utilitarianism is the moral theory that the action that people should take it the one that provides the greatest utility. Like any theory, one has to be able to substantiate claims that accompany that theory. Ultimately I will argue against his claim that higher pleasures should always be chosen over lower pleasures because despite being valid, his argument is not sound. This is a compelling argument.

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Utilitarianism

a critique of utilitarianism

You are always working from an assumption. This is a drawback of utilitarianism. It uses an objective process to decide what is right or wrong. The University of Chicago Press. If you have an opportunity to increase this emotion, then you should do so because it is a core human desire.

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The Utility Monster, A Critique on Utilitarianism

a critique of utilitarianism

Bernard Williams is an infamous critic of utilitarian theory. This paper will also reveal that Kantian ethics, in my opinion, is a better moral law to follow compared to the utilitarian position. These partial thoughts we have are otherwise known as biases, and they are important to have because they help us construct our view of the world Baumann 01:45. By this he means not that all pleasures are of exactly equal, but that the legislator who his work on utilitarianism is aimed at should not be valuing one pleasure above another. It should be focused on what brings happiness to the greatest number. In Chapter 4 of An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation, Bentham sets out his formula in detail.

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A Critique of Utilitarianism and the Trolley Problem

a critique of utilitarianism

He thinks that the theory is determining actions right and wrong based off the happiness of the majority of people. In that regard, utilitarianism would support social reforms that favor the prosperity and advancement of the entire society. If it is impossible to remain impartial, as believed by professionals in the fields of cognitive neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, then the theory of utilitarianism does not stand. What use is this tiny amount of money? I argue that Utilitarianism entirely fails to account for i special obligations ipso facto special relationships moral agents have and ii the relevant psychological states of the agents involved in decision making, rendering it a deeply incomplete moral theory. Are we still to presume that "nothing can be compensation" for his trees, not even the life of his daughter? Smart confesses that a utilitarian may have to confess doubt and ignorance is of course in accordance with his empirical attitude, however this seems to be passing the buck somewhat given the staunchly empirical tradition that underlies utilitarianism. He is seen as an advocate of psychological hedonism. The advantages and disadvantages of Utilitarianism prove that happiness cannot be the only part of the foundation upon which we make decisions.

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Summary Of Bernard Williams A Critique Of Utilitarianism

a critique of utilitarianism

Utilitarianism was fully developed by a British philosopher named John Stuart Mill. Three of the most popular moral theories are… Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Aristotelianism. He effectively argues that utilitarianism misses moral agency. Learn More Summary Utilitarianism is a philosophical theory that states that the morality of an action is based on its effects; any action that increases the pleasure and happiness of the greater majority is just. For example, if I was to choose to continue reading fine literature the higher quality pleasure instead of taking a break to eat the lower quality pleasure , starvation would be in my near future.

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What are the criticisms of utilitarianism?

a critique of utilitarianism

The reading given made understand about all these two concept and their possible application in the policy or law making like the universal law. In the case of Jim, we find that he feels sorrowful for either event that occurs. It is impossible to assign a specific value to the amount of happiness that something provides you at any given time. The theory is concerned with predicted consequences or outcomes of a situation rather than focusing on what is done to get to the outcome. Over 70% of people who describe their marriage as being unhappy will have a different perspective in five years or less.

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Ethical Criticism Of Utilitarianism

a critique of utilitarianism

When you strike the plate with a hammer, then what you see is a puck rising high enough to ring a bell at the top of the device. In pointing out the importance of intention, I believe all that has been shown is that the intention to do good is what should be the basis of morality. This is impossible for humans to do because partiality is intrinsic to the neurological process of learning. But what is happiness and how can it be measured? It requires the actor to be impartial regarding his own happiness and desires and focus neutrally on the happiness of others over one sown. The mind can dream up a number of indirect consequences that could be attached to any event, such that nothing could ever truly be known. First, I briefly account for Classical Utilitarianism. This structure means that the ends often justify the means when seeking to create a specific result.

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Critique of utilitarianism theory

a critique of utilitarianism

We must evaluate all potential consequences when looking at how the ends justify the means, creating more of a logical approach to each decision than some people might realize on their first approach to this theory. Critique of Utilitarianism Theory. Of what use are they? It may offer a valid proposition, but there is no way to measure it accurately using current systems. The Utilitarian Argument 2. This implication is arguably a 'reductio' of species-egalitarianism.

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A Critique of Utilitarianism

a critique of utilitarianism

Therefore, we do not require to sit calculating the outcome of every action before we make it. Utilitarianism is an example of consequentialism that maximizes utility happiness. A further and harsh criticism of utilitarianism is that the theory would justify slavery. The youngest child, on finding his cookie to be slightly smaller than the others, smashes it up and storms out in tears. A Discussion of the Main Elements of Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is a moral theory developed by English philosopher Jeremy Bentham 1947 — 1832 and refined by fellow countryman John Stuart Mill 1806 — 1873. Yet the theoretical antecedents of this work are rooted more deeply in political sociology, notably in the controversial claims Max Weber made more than a century ago about the role of religious values in the birth and growth of modern industrial free-market economies. Some may refer to the principle of utility as the greatest happiness principle.

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15 Utilitarianism Advantages and Disadvantages

a critique of utilitarianism

Direct criticism of Smart's text is largely confined to parts of section 6, where I have tried to show that a certain ambiguity in Smart's defence of act-utilitarianism, as against other sorts, arises from a deep difficulty in the whole subject. Emotionally, that person will likely be distraught and overwhelmed by guild, even though multiple other lives were saved. Rational based on calculation, and scientific is based on observation. One can imagine the penny being carried about by the ex-landowner, and produced to evict pity from those unfortunates he manages to convince to listen to his story. Utilitarians seek an empirical basis for morality through the measurement of happiness. He gives the example of how racial segregation might be justified under the happiness principle on the basis that segregation might be of benefit to a white law student as it would protect his interests even though a minority would suffer.

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