Final answer:
F.H. Bradley criticized utilitarianism for its potential to justify exploitation for the greater good, highlighting its inadequacy as a moral theory that could harm individuals if seen as increasing society's net happiness.
Step-by-step explanation:
F.H. Bradley's critique of utilitarianism is based on the idea that it can justify actions that harm individuals for the perceived greater good. According to utilitarian philosophy, an action is right if it maximizes happiness for the greatest number. However, critics like Bradley argue that this can lead to exploitation or unjust actions if those actions are believed to maximize overall happiness.
This perspective points to a potential flaw in utilitarianism, where the emphasis on the collective happiness could potentially overshadow the rights and well-being of individuals. As such, relying solely on the principle of utility could result in decisions that exploit individuals if doing so is seen as increasing the net happiness of the society.
Therefore, to F.H. Bradley's reasoning, Utilitarianism is indeed an inadequate moral theory since it can be used to justify exploitation in the name of happiness, which aligns with the notion that the ends can justify the means, a concept which many moral philosophers and ordinary people find troubling.