utilitarianism- strengths&weaknesses Flashcards
strength- utilitarianism allows for what?
allows for changes in public opinion as well as differences in individual circumstance. It involves reason and sensible consideration of different options.
strength- utilitarianism does not depend on what?
does not depend on an external authority such as religion, but allows people to make their own decisions according to what they feel is best.
strength- what is utilitarianism based on?
On practicality and on the observation that everyone wants to be happy. it is based on the outcomes which are relatively straightforward to see the measure.
strength- every individual in utilitarianism is what?
Every individual is considered regardless of social status.
weakness- The hedonic calculus can be what?
can be time- consuming and difficult to work out, and moral decisions often have to be made quickly.
weakness- some people argue that?
some people argue that, happiness is not a sufficient goal for ethics. goodness and happiness are not the same.
weakness- we are not always good at what?
We are not always good at guessing what will make us happy, and it is even harder to work out what will make their own decisions according to what they feel best.
weakness- some people ague that?
some people argue that, the morality of an action should not be judged by its outcome and motivation.
weakness- some people criticise what?
some people criticise utilitarianism because it does not make any reference to God.
Weakness- what is the criticism with the ‘ greatest happiness for the greatest number’?
If the greatest happiness for the greatest number is always the principle, then those who are in the minority, who are made happy by different things, lose out.
