Utilitarianism Strengths And Weaknesses

Question 1

Maximising happiness is good
Strength

Answer 1

-maximising happiness is a good aim that many philosophers would agree on

-Aristotle “happiness is the meaning and purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence”

Question 2

It is a secular theory
STRENGTH

Answer 2

-focuses on maximising happiness and is not dependent on the belief of God.

-this means that it is appealing and applicable to all people, irrespective of whether they are religious/believe in God or not

-it can be applied in 21st century society

-it is straightforward plus easy to apply

Question 3

People have different ideas of pleasure

Answer 3

-pleasure and pain are dependent on the individual ‘one mans pleasure is another mans pain’
Subjective concept

Question 4

It isnt in our nature
Weakness

Answer 4

-naturally when making a moral decision it isnt in our nature to sit and think about the hedonic calculs and think about how it is going to impact the future it is just abnormal

• it is impossible to measure pleasure and pain. Especially if we are predicting future consequences it is difficult to accurately predict what will lead to the greatest happiness. Utilitarianism may be seen as impractical

Question 5

Commits naturalistic fallacy

Answer 5

-It is wrong to assume that what is natural is good. Just because pleasure is something we naturally desire that doesnt mean it is good

-however does mil solve this with higher and lower pleasures

Question 6

It is swine ethics
Weakness

Answer 6

It can be used to premit horrors such as gang rape

-there are no absolute boundaries

Question 7

Tyranny of majority
Weakness

Answer 7

-theory maximises pleasure/happiness for the majority which may come at an expense of minority groups

-could lead to human right violations

Question 8

Act u is both a strength and weakness

Answer 8

-strength as it adds flexibility as it is a case by case basis

-weak because it takes considerable time to weigh up all complex factors