Final answer:
Utilitarian ethics is problematic because it relies on the difficult task of measuring happiness, which is subjective and influenced by various factors, leading to different possible outcomes from utilitarian decision-making processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another criticism showing utilitarian ethics to be problematic is the difficulty in measuring the overall happiness or well-being that results from a given action. Utilitarianism suggests that the morally correct action is one that maximizes happiness for the greatest number of people. However, happiness is subjective and can be influenced by various factors, making it hard to quantify. One criticism, for example, highlights how act utilitarianism might justify morally questionable actions, like vigilantism or unjust sentencing, if these actions result in a net increase in happiness. This raises concerns about undermining the security and trust within society.
Moreover, utilitarian decision-making processes may lead to different outcomes depending on how happiness is evaluated. For instance, establishing a new national park might increase net happiness by preserving natural beauty, yet at the same time, it could cause unhappiness by disrupting economic development and displacing local communities. This complexity illustrates how challenging it can be to apply utilitarian principles in real-world scenarios and make decisions that are agreed upon as increasing overall happiness.