Final answer:
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory that evaluates actions based on their consequences. Comparing actual and foreseeable consequences is one way to evaluate utilitarianism. However, there are objections to utilitarianism, such as the potential for morally unacceptable actions and the difficulty of accurately predicting consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory that evaluates the rightness of an action based on its consequences. It focuses on producing the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. Utilitarianism can be evaluated by comparing actual consequences with foreseeable consequences. The actual consequences of an action are the immediate outcomes, while the foreseeable consequences are the long-term effects that could result from repeated actions.
For example, when considering the act of stealing, an act utilitarian would evaluate the immediate consequences of the theft, such as the gain for the thief and the loss for the victim. They would also consider the foreseeable consequences, such as the erosion of trust in society and the negative impact on social well-being if stealing became a common practice.
There are objections to utilitarianism. One objection is that it can lead to morally unacceptable actions if the overall happiness is maximized at the expense of individual rights or well-being. For example, utilitarianism could justify sacrificing the happiness of a minority group if it creates more happiness for the majority. Another objection is that it is often difficult to calculate and predict the consequences of an action accurately, especially in complex or uncertain situations. Additionally, some critics argue that utilitarianism ignores the importance of fairness, justice, and intrinsic values.