Criticisms & Strengths of Utilitarianism
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 3.1.11
Strengths of Utilitarianism
Pragmatic
- One strength of utilitarianism is its practical approach. Bentham’s hedonic calculus is a clear method for comparing pleasures and pains.
- This makes the theory useful where people need to judge which option is likely to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number.
- Unlike Natural Law and Situation Ethics, it doesn’t rely on belief in God or Jesus’ example and could be applied by anybody.
Fair and impartial
- Another strength is that utilitarianism treats everyone’s happiness equally.
- The Hedonic Calculus applies the same criteria to all people, reflecting the idea that no one person’s pleasure is more important than another’s.
Test yourself on Criticisms & Strengths of Utilitarianism
What does the Survival Lottery thought experiment show about Utilitarianism?
Why do most people find the outcome of the Survival Lottery unacceptable?
Why is Utilitarianism considered pragmatic as a moral theory?
Select the correct statement for each pair.
In the Survival Lottery, what does the doctor do to produce the greatest overall happiness?