Discuss the Strengths and Weaknesses of Utilitarianism.
By James McDonagh
The theory of utility, Utilitarianism, is an ethical theory, which can be defined in one statement, The Greatest Happiness/Pleasure for the Greatest Number. ... Mill (1806-1873), through his works, entitled ‘On Liberty’ (1858) and ‘Utilitarianism’ (1863). ... The two main divisions of Utilitarianism are Act and Rule, with the third one I am examining being Preference Utilitarianism.
Act Utilitarianism is undisputedly the purest form of the theory. ...
A modern form of Act Utilitarianism was utilised by the Australian ethicist, Peter Singer to defend the rights of animals. This is known as Preference Utilitarianism. Preference Utilitarianism introduces the notion that you should take into account the preferences of the person concerned in each case until they are outweighed by the preference of others. ... This appears to be identical to Act Utilitarianism, but if it is closely examined and applied, there are noticeable differences.
Rule Utilitarianism is a more moderate form of the theory. It is defined by Brandt as ‘an act is right if and only if it conforms with that learnable set of rules, the adoption of which by everyone would maximise intrinsic value’ (from Brandt’s article Towards a Credible Form of Utilitarianism). Basically, Rule Utilitarianism will create general rules based upon the principle of utility, and then abide by those rules, even if by conforming to them the principle of utility is not followed. They believe these rules should be followed, as they are for the benefit of society, Rule Utilitarianism also offers more protection to minority groups from the possible vindication the majority could do to them.
As a working theory, Utilitarianism has many advantages. ... Another point in favour of Utilitarianism is also that is in common use in our every day ethics, although not under this name. ... This is the very bedrock of contemporary western civilisation, as many day-to-day decisions that both individuals and governments make, are made on the principles of Rule Utilitarianism; the choice that creates the greatest happiness will be selected. Therefore, Utilitarianism is arguably one of the most ‘common-sense’ ethical theories, as it puts down on paper what most people do anyway. ... Also, Utilitarianism is an extremely selfless theory. ... Utilitarianism is also consistent with many ethical intuitive insights we have about what it takes to be a human and what is required in performing moral deeds toward other people.
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