Final answer:
Utilitarianism posits that actions are correct if they create the most happiness for the most people but is criticized for issues like measuring happiness and justifying immoral actions. Utilitarians argue that estimates of happiness can guide decisions, long-term impacts are important, and justice can align with the philosophy's goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Objections to Utilitarianism and Responses
Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy which suggests that an action is right if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number. However, it faces several objections:
- One objection is the difficulty in measuring happiness, as it is subjective and can vary greatly among individuals.
- Another objection is that utilitarianism can justify seemingly immoral actions if they result in a net increase in happiness.
- Some critics also argue that utilitarianism doesn't adequately account for justice and rights, as it focuses solely on the outcome rather than the process.
In response to these objections, a Utilitarian might argue the following:
- While happiness might be difficult to measure precisely, we can still make reasonable estimates about what actions will likely produce the best outcomes.
- Utilitarianism does not necessarily justify immoral actions because it takes into account the long-term consequences and the quality of pleasures.
- Justice and rights can be incorporated within a utilitarian framework as they often lead to better outcomes and higher levels of societal happiness.
Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill were notable proponents of utilitarianism, with Mill introducing the concept of higher and lower pleasures to account for the qualitative differences in happiness.