Final answer:
Modern versions of utilitarianism, such as Mill's distinction between higher and lower pleasures, and rule utilitarianism, consider the qualitative aspects of happiness and long-term societal consequences, respectively. These versions strive to reconcile utilitarianism with the complexities of real-life ethical decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
There are indeed modern versions of utilitarianism that consider the complexities of ethical decision-making in real-world contexts. Classic Utilitarians like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill proposed that actions are morally right if they produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number, a concept known as the principle of utility. However, this traditional view was seen as too simplistic by many, as it could lead to the justification of actions that conflict with ordinary moral standards.
John Stuart Mill himself recognized that not all pleasures are equal and introduced the idea of higher and lower pleasures to integrate a qualitative aspect into the calculus of happiness. Higher pleasures (such as those derived from intellectual and emotional engagements) are assigned a greater significance than lower, more base, pleasures. Thus, Mill's version of utilitarianism presents a more nuanced approach to utilitarian calculus, accounting for the different values of various pleasures.
Furthermore, utilitarians today might explore versions like rule utilitarianism, which considers the long-term consequences of following certain rules rather than evaluating individual acts (act utilitarianism). This helps address challenges where simple utilitarian calculations might justify harmful actions, by emphasizing the importance of maintaining social trust and order. Understanding that actions are considered within a broader societal context suggests a form of utilitarianism that adapts to the complexities of real-life moral dilemmas.