Strengths & Weaknesses of Utilitarianism

Strengths:

• It is reasonable and natural to link what is good with the persuit of happiness and pleasure and the avoidance of pain.
• It is natural to consider the consequences of actions.
• It is a democratic morality that looks at general happiness rather than individual aims.
• It is common sense system that is easy to apply.
• It is practical with clear processes for making decisions.

Weaknesses:

• It is difficult to predict consequences.
• It is difficult to quantify and measure pleasure.
• Some pain is good for us and some pleasure may be bad.
• Happiness itself is subjective.
• Has the potenital to justify immoral acts such as gang **** and slavery.
• The rights of minorities are not protected because humans do not have intrinsic rights.