Utilitarian Arguments - 1681 Words

I have always been one to side with a utilitarian’s point of view, such as Mill and Bentham. The greatest happiness of the greatest number, or as cold as it may be, sacrificing the few for the good of the many. Utilitarian moral theories evaluate the moral worth of action on the basis of happiness that is produced by an action. Whatever produces the most happiness in the most people is the moral course of action. I will give the best arguments against Utilitarianism, and show in my own opinion, why I think they are wrong. The strongest counterargument against Utilitarianism would have to be Sterling Harwood’s eleven objections to the theory. Sterling Harwood states that even he does not accept all eleven of his objections, but he†¦show more content†¦Harwoods primary example in this objection is a person who makes a promise to his dying mother, promising to beautify her grave and put flowers on it on her birthday every year. (p. 191) Harwood states that a utili tarian would not keep that promise because his time, money, and energy can be better spent doing other things. But what if that person really does enjoy putting flowers on his mothers grave? What if that is the main way he chooses to spend his resources? Then keeping this promise is in the utilitarians best interest. Alternatively, imagine that the person does take the utilitarian approach and ignore the promise made to his mother by investing his time and energy into something he truly enjoys: robbing bank or committing heinous crimes. Although this person broke the promise, the result does not generate much pleasure for everyone involved. Therefore, keeping the promise would be in the utilitarians best interest. I think that when utilitarians break promises, it is for legitimate reasons, such as saving a persons life. Harwood illustrates how utilitarians operate in regards to promises by offering the example that a person who is meeting a friend for lunch helps victims from a car crash on the way to the restaurant, and as a result is late for lunch. (p. 192) Harwood says that the difference between a utilitarian and a non-utilitarian would be whether or not the person that was late apologized to their friend. However,Show MoreRelatedShould Gambling Be Legalized?1401 Words   |  6 Pagesproceeds will benefit the school systems. Using this measure of marketing, they were successful in their goals. Now in most states there exist a state sanctioned lottery of some kind. There exist large amounts of empirical evidence establishing the argument that lotteries assist in upward wealth redistribution and disproportionately affects low income individuals. Furthermore, there are audits that have shown that the education portion of lotteries has been neglected. 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