Introduction to Utilitarianism

Critics often allege that utilitarianism objectionably instrumentalizes people—treating us as mere means to the greater good, rather than properly valuing individuals as ends in themselves. In this article, we assess whether this is a fair objection.

The original text contained 8 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

January 29th, 2023

Source:

https://utilitarianism.net/objections-to-utilitarianism/mere-means

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

The idea that utilitarianism neglects the 'separateness of persons' has proven to be a widely influential objection. But it is one that is difficult to pin down. This article explores three candidate interpretations of the objection, and how utilitarians can respond to each.

The original text contained 21 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

January 29th, 2023

Source:

https://utilitarianism.net/objections-to-utilitarianism/separateness-of-persons

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

In directing us to choose the impartially best outcome, even at significant cost to ourselves, utilitarianism can seem an incredibly demanding theory. This page explores whether this feature of utilitarianism is objectionable, and if so, how defenders of the view might best respond.

The original text contained 5 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

January 29th, 2023

Source:

https://utilitarianism.net/objections-to-utilitarianism/demandingness

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

Abstract moral theories threaten to alienate us from much that we hold dear. This article explores two possible defenses of utilitarianism against this charge. One recommends adopting motivations other than explicitly utilitarian ones. The second argues that suitably concrete concerns can be subsumed within broader utilitarian motivations.

The original text contained 11 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

January 29th, 2023

Source:

https://utilitarianism.net/objections-to-utilitarianism/alienation

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

Relationships like parenthood or guardianship seemingly give rise to special obligations to protect those who fall under our care (where these obligations are more stringent than our general duties of beneficence towards strangers). This article explores the extent to which impartial utilitarianism can accommodate intuitions and normative practices of partiality.

The original text contained 10 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

January 29th, 2023

Source:

https://utilitarianism.net/objections-to-utilitarianism/special-obligations

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

Is utilitarianism undermined by our inability to predict the long-term consequences of our actions? This article explores whether utilitarians can still be guided by near-term expected value even when this is small in comparison to the potential value or disvalue of the unknown long-term consequences.

The original text contained 18 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

March 8th, 2023

Source:

https://utilitarianism.net/objections-to-utilitarianism/cluelessness

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

Utilitarianism is concerned with the overall well-being of individuals in the population, but many object that justice requires an additional concern for how this well-being is distributed across individuals. This article examines this objection, and how utilitarians might best respond.

The original text contained 6 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

January 29th, 2023

Source:

https://utilitarianism.net/objections-to-utilitarianism/equality

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

Some argue that utilitarianism is self-effacing, or recommends against its own acceptance, due to the risk that mistaken appeals to the 'greater good' may actually result in horrifically harmful actions being done. This article explores how best to guard against such risks, and questions whether it is an objection to a theory if it turns out to be self-effacing in this way.

The original text contained 15 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

March 8th, 2023

Source:

https://utilitarianism.net/objections-to-utilitarianism/abusability

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

“Create all the happiness you are able to create; remove all the misery you are able to remove. Every day will allow you, will invite you to add something to the pleasure of others, or to diminish something of their pains.”

—Jeremy Bentham

So far we have looked at utilitarianism from a theoretical viewpoint. But what does utilitarianism actually mean in practice? What concrete actions does it say we should take? This article explains what it means to live an ethical life from the perspective of utilitarianism.

The original text contained 40 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

January 29th, 2023

Source:

https://utilitarianism.net/acting-on-utilitarianism

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

Mò Dí (墨翟), better known as Mòzǐ or “Master Mò,” flourished c. 430 BCE in what is now Tengzhou, Shandong Province, China. Likely an artisan by craft, Mò Dí attracted many dedicated followers and founded the philosophical school of Mohism during China’s Warring States Period (475 - 221 BCE).Like other philosophers of his day, including the better-known Confucius, Mò Dí traveled from state to state to persuade rulers to adopt policies intended to end war, alleviate poverty, install meritocracy, and promote the welfare of all.

The original text contained 10 footnotes which were omitted from this narration.

---

First published:

January 29th, 2023

Source:

https://utilitarianism.net/utilitarian-thinker/mozi

---

Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.