Assessing Utilitarianism

PRO - PRACTICAL APPLICATION 

Practically applicable to real life situations - NHS QALY- own HC when fixed budget used to alleviate suffering

PRO - AIM OF GREATEST HAPPINESS PRINCIPLE IS REASONABLE

Linking morality with pursuit of greatest happiness seems reasonable - popular support

Seems natural to consider consequences of actions

Does not support individualistic pursuit in others expense - democratic, balanced, moral for all

CON - EMPHASIS ON HAPPINESS MAY OVERRULE JSUTICE

May not guarantee justice - minority slaves for majority - pleasure for majority but not for minority - justifies nazims?

PRO - HIGH & LOW PLEASURES PROTECTS INDIVIDUAL

High pleasures of intellect - slavery seen as low pleasure - should not be persued.

Rules out any injustice where immoral deeds would lead to greates happiness.

CON - HIGH & LOW PLEASURES DO NOT GUARANTEE JUSTICE FOR MINORITY

Even with Rule Utilitarianism, still possibility that for eg slavery to be permitted, may seem majority benefits.

PRO - HUMANS NATURALLY DECIDE ON HIGH & LOW PLEASURES

We identify which pleasures are superior over time, as one high pleasure aint one for everyone. Therefore competent judges may experience many pleasures - the choice of pleasure made represents humanity.

CON - RULE UTILITARIANISM DOES NTO HAVE FLEXIBILITY OF ACT

Some rules conflict with…