Criticisms of utilitarianism in teleological theory?
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Apr 16
1. Lack of consideration for individual rights: Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness or pleasure, which can sometimes lead to the neglect of individual rights and freedoms. Critics argue that this approach can justify actions that violate the rights of certain individuals in the pursuit of the greater good.
2. Difficulty in measuring happiness: Utilitarianism relies on the concept of maximizing happiness or pleasure, but it can be difficult to accurately measure or quantify these subjective experiences. Critics argue that this makes it challenging to determine the best course of action in a given situation.
3. Ignoring long-term consequences: Utilitarianism often prioritizes immediate outcomes and short-term gains, which can lead to overlooking the potential long-term consequences of actions. Critics argue that this can result in decisions that have negative impacts in the future.
4. Lack of consideration for justice and fairness: Utilitarianism does not always take into account principles of justice and fairness, which are important considerations in ethical decision-making. Critics argue that this can lead to unjust outcomes and undermine the moral integrity of the theory.
5. Potential for manipulation and exploitation: Utilitarianism can be manipulated to justify actions that benefit a majority at the expense of a minority, leading to exploitation and oppression of marginalized groups. Critics argue that this can result in unethical behavior and harm to vulnerable populations.