The Faults Of Utilitarianism | Moral Philosophy Debated | Questioning “The Greater Good”

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In our world, humans are often considered above other animals. There’s a hierarchy when it comes to the consideration of happiness. For instance, killing pigs for food is deemed acceptable, while killing a dog is not.

Utilitarianism vs. Deontology

Utilitarianism suggests that the best action is the one that results in the greatest happiness for the most people. In scenarios like the trolley problem, it advocates for saving five people at the cost of one life. However, this clashes with deontological ethics, which emphasize innate morality over mere numbers. Relying solely on outcomes could justify extreme actions, such as genocide, if deemed beneficial for the majority.

The Threat to Individuality and Creativity

Utilitarianism might prioritize societal compliance over individuality. If society benefits from uniform thinking, where is the room for uniqueness? This raises concerns about losing our human essence — our emotions and creativity. Does utilitarianism risk reducing people to mere cogs in a…