Utility is good for moral decisions

Question 1

utility is BAD for moral decisions

Answer 1

Nozick’s experience machine seems to show that if utility is understood in terms of pleasure, this is not the thing that is most important to us.

Question 2

utility is BAD for moral decisions

Answer 2

If we assume that utility is something similar to preference satisfaction then it is unclear whose preferences do or do not count, for example infants, dogs, snails.

Question 3

utility is BAD for moral decisions

Answer 3

Preference satisfaction is not easily quantifiable and as such this version goes against the spirit of utilitarianism.

Question 4

utility is BAD for moral decisions

Answer 4

Utility is too demanding. Greater happiness is always achieved by giving money and resources to the poorest rather than buying oneself a coffee or taking out a subscription for the latest films. It becomes morally wrong to give ourselves such treats.

Question 5

utility is BAD for moral decisions

Answer 5

It may also be possible to argue that other motivations, such as duty, agape or telos, represent better moral motivations.