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Why do some utilitarians turn to policy experts to create and implement policies?

a. To ensure adherence to tradition
b. To maximize overall well-being
c. To maintain individual liberties
d. To promote economic disparity

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Utilitarians rely on policy experts to maximize overall well-being by applying cost-benefit analysis and utilizing expert knowledge to increase society's net happiness and welfare.

Step-by-step explanation:

Some utilitarians turn to policy experts to create and implement policies in order to maximize overall well-being. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that promotes actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the majority of a population. When policy experts are involved, they apply methods such as cost-benefit analysis to assess the potential impact of policies, aiming to enhance utility by ensuring that the benefits outweigh the costs. This seeks to increase net happiness, minimize unhappiness, and address societal needs. By using expert knowledge, utilitarians believe that they can effectively increase the happiness and welfare of society as a whole.

However, not every policy may be beneficial for all; some may create winners and losers due to promotion of certain behaviors or the unintended consequences that arise. Rule utilitarians focus on establishing moral rules that aim to maximize happiness, indicating that following these rules should guide policy-making. This is in contrast to libertarian views, which prioritize individual liberties over maximizing net social utility.

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