Critiques And Refinements of Utilitarianism | California State University, Northridge

University:
California State University, Northridge
Course:
PSY 150 | Introduction to Psychology
Academic year:

2023
Views:

477

Pages:

1
Author:

Jithin J I

CRITIQUES AND REFINEMENTS OF UTILITARIANISM Higher and Lower Pleasures  Bentham's view of pleasure too limited - "worthy of swine"  Mill included higher human pleasures - intellect, autonomy, etc.  Considered qualitatively, not just quantitatively Responses to Limits of Hedonism  Ignores virtues, values beyond happiness  Moore's ideal utilitarianism includes intrinsic goods like knowledge, beauty  Preference utilitarianism considers satisfaction of any preferences Welfare Utilitarianism  Assesses utility based on people's interests, not just preferences  Preferences may not match best interests (e.g. smoking) Harm Principle and Personal Liberty  Mill: Freedom should be unlimited except harming others  At individual level, only self-protection justifies limiting others  For state, only preventing harm justifies interfering In summary, modifications addressed criticisms of classical utilitarianism's narrow hedonism. But difficulties remain in calculation, measurement, and balancing personal liberty with social welfare.