Problems with the Hedonic Calculus #2
- 3. Moral status of particular relationships
In seekng happiness for the maximum number of people, the moral status of particular relationships may be damaged. For example, if you were cheating on your partner, then the maximum number of people will feel better (ie. you and the person you are cheating with), but your partner will feel pain. This particular relationship will be morally damaged.
- 4. Tyranny of the Majority
The Hedonic Calculus does not account for the minority's views. For example, if 49% of people don;t want someone to be killed, but 51% of people do, then this is undemocratic.
- 5. Difficult to calculate
Bentham came up with a method to calculate happiness, but you still cannot assign a numerical value to the amount of pleasure someone is feeling.
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