OBJECTIONS TO UTILITARIANISM

OBJECTION TO HEDONISM (ASSUMED BY CLASSIC UTILITARIANS):

In addition to pleasure, there are other intrinsically valuable things.
Notice that this is not an objection to utilitarianism, or consequentialism, in general. This objection questions only a theory of intrinsic value assumed by some utilitarians.

THE JUSTICE OBJECTION TO UTILITARIANISM
The central idea of this objection is that utilitarianism and justice are incompatible.

An Assumption: Some acts have the following features:

1. there are gravely unjust, e.g. they violate human rights, go contrary to our duties, etc. (===> hence, they are morally wrong)
2. yet, these gravely unjust acts maximize utility (===> hence, they are right by utilitarian standards)

An Argument against Utilitarianism:

1. If utilitarianism is true, then gravely unjust acts are morally right.
2. Gravely unjust acts are not right; they are morally wrong.
3. Therefore, utilitarianism is false. [from (1) and (2)]

Possible replies:

• Hidden alternatives.
• Hidden utilities (unforeseen consequences, long run consequences)
• Different Value theory.

UTILITARIANISM AND SUPEREROGATORY ACTS

The central idea of this objection is that utilitarianism is incompatible with there being any supererogatory acts.

1) If classical utilitarianism is true, then we always ought to do our best; nothing less than the best is ever permissible.
2) Sometimes we are not require to do our best; supererogatory acts are possible.
Therefore, 3) classical utilitarianism is false. [from (1) and (2)]

UTILITARIAN EVALUATION OF ACTS

The factors that must be taken into account in a thorough utilitarian evaluation of the moral status (rightness/wrongness) of an action

• A) the short-term consequences of the action
• B) the long term consequences of the action
• C) the positive utility produces by the action
• D) the negative utility produced by the action
• E) the utility produced for everyone affected by this action
• F) how the utility the act produces compares to the utility produced by alternative actions

RULE UTILITARIANISM (INDIRECT UTILITARIANISM)

Step 1: Chose the best system of moral rules; this is the system that is the most beneficial (in a long run) for the society to adopt.
That is, chose the system of rules that, as a whole, maximizes utility

Step 2: Evaluate the actions in accordance with the system so chosen
That is, an action is right if it is in accordance with the system so chosen

The main idea, we ought to act in accordance with the rules even if and when, breaking a rule may maximize utility.