Outline and evaluate what you consider to be the most powerful objection to Utilitarianism as a moral theory
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Words: 1065
Pages: 4
(approximately 235 words/page)
Pages: 4
(approximately 235 words/page)
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Consequentialist theorists propose that our only duty should be to do whatever has the best consequences. Utilitarianism, the most popular of consequentialist theories, was formulated by Jeremy Bentham (1789) and later refined by John Stuart Mill (1861). In general terms, classical utilitarianism states that we should do whatever maximises the balance of pleasure over pain for everyone affected by our action. This is a modern conception of morality. It does not rely on God to provide us
showed first 75 words of 1065 total
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showed first 75 words of 1065 total
showed last 75 words of 1065 total
people. I would rather be objectively concerned with the happiness of each person, of every person obtaining some happiness, than be concerned with the total quantity of all happiness. So, I conclude that the principle which governs utilitarianism - happiness at any expense - is not a moral principle. Therefore, the most powerful objection is that it can never itself be a moral theory, only a theory that provides an alternative to our own morality.
people. I would rather be objectively concerned with the happiness of each person, of every person obtaining some happiness, than be concerned with the total quantity of all happiness. So, I conclude that the principle which governs utilitarianism - happiness at any expense - is not a moral principle. Therefore, the most powerful objection is that it can never itself be a moral theory, only a theory that provides an alternative to our own morality.