Objections to Utilitarianism

What is the "narrowness" objection? 

Utilitarianism reduces morality to just pleasure and pain.

What is the "agency" objection? 

argues that utilitarianism, by focusing solely on maximizing overall happiness or utility, potentially devalues the individual

What is the "evil pleasures" objection?

Some pleasures, such as sadistic pleasure, seem morally wrong but would still be counted as good under utilitarianism

What is the "quality" objection to Mill’s hedonism? 

It is difficult to determine which pleasures are genuinely higher or lower.

What is the "over-demandingness" objection? 

Utilitarianism requires too much of individuals, asking them to always act in ways that maximize happiness. 

What is the "supererogation" objection? 

Utilitarianism does not recognize that some moral actions go above and beyond duty. 

What is "negative responsibility"? 

The idea that we are morally responsible not just for our actions but for what we fail to prevent. 

What is the difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism? 

Act utilitarianism judges actions based on individual consequences. 

-Rule utilitarianism follows general rules that tend to maximize happiness. 

What is the problem with rule utilitarianism? 

It may collapse into act utilitarianism if rules are always adjusted to maximize happiness in specific cases.