Answer to Question #226414 in English for starboi

Question

Discuss five (5) potential problems with the use of Utilitarianism

Answer 1

Potential problems associated with the use of utilitarianism include;

a)  It fails to take into account considerations of justice.  A certain course of action would produce great benefits for society, but they would be clearly unjust.

b) It relies on people making consistent decisions. You cannot trust anyone to ask for the greater good if the majority decides to get rid of all of the other structures which support societal health and wellness.

c) Utilitarianism relies on multiple definitions of happiness. it is virtually impossible to see two people with cloned perspectives about the world today. What makes one person happy can make another individual feel bored or out of touch with their life.

d) It creates the potential for the majority to rule through tyranny. Just because the majority of a population believes something is right does not make it an ethical choice. That thought process kept women from voting for centuries, permitted slavery to exist, allows for child trafficking and exploitation still today, and many more activities that harm others in some way.

e) It creates an unrealistic perspective for society. It makes it too easy for the majority of people in a society to create harm using the balancing principle. The happiness of the minority must also come into consideration.