Question

Describe one common critique or criticism of Utilitarianism. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this criticism?

Answer 1

Utilitarianism offers an overly simplistic account of what is good and fails to consider other moral values.

Step-by-step explanation:

One common critique of Utilitarianism is that it offers an overly simplistic account of what is good. Critics argue that the focus on maximizing happiness and utility fails to take into account other moral considerations and values. For example, there may be cases where an action that maximizes happiness for the majority is unfair or unjust to a minority group. The critique suggests that Utilitarianism does not adequately address the complexities and nuances of moral decision-making.

I partially agree with this criticism. While Utilitarianism provides a useful framework for evaluating the consequences of actions, it can sometimes overlook important moral principles and values. For instance, it may disregard individual rights or justice in the pursuit of overall happiness. However, Utilitarianism can still be a valuable tool in guiding moral decision-making, as long as other ethical considerations are also taken into account.

Answer 2

The second most common criticism of utilitarianism is that it is impossible to apply - that happiness (etc) cannot be quantified or measured, that there is no way of calculating a trade-off between intensity and extent, or intensity and probability (etc), or comparing happiness to suffering.