Question

List the six most frequent mistakes that people make in applying utilitarianism, giving an example of each.

Answer 1

The basic theory of utilitarianism involves "Do what produces the best consequences"

The six most frequent mistakes that people make in applying utilitarianism are as below:

1. Individual self interest- When individuals decide what is good for them they only consider their self interest and utility. Say for example you like both mango and chocolate flavoured sweets, if you apply this theory you would only have to select one that gives you the most pleasure. This demonstrates how various choices affects this singe persons interest.

2. Group Interest- People need to judge what is good for the entire group as a whole. For example, if you have a party at your home and 4 out of 7 people like and prefer a burger, even though you are a part of the 3 people that line sandwich over burger, keeping the majority pleasure in mins you would need to select burger. But often times self pleasure is put before what the group really wants.

3. Every one Affected- While making choices everyone's best interest needs to be considered. For example, if the government is chalking out a policy it has to consider the  best interest of the people and not its own motive.

4. Judgements and Consequences- Utilitarians disagree whether judgements either right or wrong should be based on the consequences. If they feel that a wrong judgement works in their favour they will still go for it even without knowing the consequences. For example, if you are friends with a murderer you will sill try your best to release him not understanding what the consequence of this action would be.

5. Wrong Answers- The most common argument here is about morality. It gives wrong answers to moral questions. For example if a doctor can save lives of 3 people by causing harm to one healthy person he would do that to save the 3 others.

6. Undermining Trust Objection- Utilitarians behaviour would lead an people to lack trust. in the example in point 5 the doctor has harmed a healthy person to save 3 others, here people would not trust and there would be rigidity and objection.