The application of Utilitarianism to the use of nuclear weapons as a deterrent

The use of nuclear weapons has long been debated and both justified and rebuked using utilitarian principles

• The problem with using nuclear weapons is that there can never really be any justification for their use
• As a consequentialist theory, Utilitarianism could see only pain and suffering from the use of nuclear weapons, and not even any eventual long-term happiness

As with most moral issues, the outcomes of nuclear war are difficult to predict with any certainity

• The greatest happiness for the greatest number is the criterion used by utilitarians in general
• The calculation of happiness seems impossible where a nuclear war is involved

One of the key considerations would be 'does the end justify the means'?

• The…