Criticisms of
Utiitarianism
Aim: To look at the problems of
utilitarian ethics.
Criticisms of Act Utilitarianism
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If the value of the consequences of the
particular act is great enough, any crime
could be justified – a crime could be seen
as a moral obligation.
Criticisms of Act Utilitarianism
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We hardly ever have the time and the
knowledge to predict the consequences of
an act, assess its values and make
comparisons with alternative acts.
E.g. giving our money to charity may give
happiness to the poor but could cause
people to loose their jobs in cinemas or
ten pin bowling etc
Criticisms of Act Utilitarianism
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The theory claims that only consequences
matter. However, other considerations in
addition to utility are important in
determining whether actions are right,
e.g. Justice.
It is at odds with the idea that people’s
rights should not be trampled on merely
because we anticipate good results. E.g.
freedom of speech, right to life etc.
Criticisms of Act Utilitarianism
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It assumes that you can predict the
consequences of a future event.
To resolve this, the probable long term outcome
of an action can be assessed. This however
makes the outcome subject to individual
judgement which may prove incorrect.
To guarantee the action to be right either means
extending the observed consequences ad
infinitum, or relying on individual judgement
which subjectifies a staunchly objective theory.
Group Work
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According to Utilitarianism the American
dropping of atomic bombs on two
Japanese cities in 1945 may have ended
World War II in the east, but these acts
also resulted in tens of thousands of
immediate deaths and agony for survivors
and succeeding generations.
Was it right?
Take a Break