Strengths and Weaknesses of Act Utilitarianism

Question 1

Weakness: Quantitative

Answer 1

• Happiness cannot be quantified (in the way hedonic calculus tries to do)
• Happiness is far more complex and subtle than suggested by the hedonic calculus.
• JSM puts forward qualitative Rule

Question 2

Weakness: Subjective

Answer 2

• Different opinions on what will be most pleasurable

- Vardy: suffering diets and difficult exercise

Question 3

Weakness: Could justify anything

Answer 3

• MacIntire could justify the Nazis

Question 4

Weakness: Unfair distribution

Answer 4

• Rawls: Happiness could be unfairly distributed between majority and minority.

Question 5

Weakness: Summary

Answer 5

1. Unfair distribution
2. Could justify anything
3. Subjective
4. Quantitative

Question 6

Strengths: Summary

Answer 6

1. Practical
2. Democracy
3. Straightforward

Question 7

Strengths: Straightforward

Answer 7

Hedonic calculus provides a clear tool for thinking about what kind of happiness should be pursued

Question 8

Strengths: Practical

Answer 8

Goodin argues that it is practical because most pursue hedonism