Utilitarianism undermines justice and equality 40 Marks

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Answer 1

Utilitarianism looks to the consequences of any act and justifies it based on maximizing the greatest pleasure for the greatest number, which ignores any inherent morality of the act itself, or any merit for those who benefit. It's very "democratitc," but with no rights to the minorities who suffer to enhance the pleasure of the majority. Utilitarianism can be used to justify the most immoral unjust acts, if they are perceived as leading to greater pleasure for more people

Kant's categorical imperative is the major opposing ethical theory, which is based on morals and common ethics, judging the intent or motive of the actor, not the speculative consequences. Kant refered to the High Priest's serpentine wanderings, as he said "one man must die for the people," refering to Jesus Christ. The utilitarian is ready to let the most innocent most deserving be sacrificed to improve life for the less deserving, if there are more undeserving people than deserving people.

3rd major ethical system is Aristotle's "Virtue Ethics" based on the golden mean and classic virtues, again without regard for consequences, an anti-utilitarian philosophy. The golden mean is the moderate act, in between extremes. Atheist Ayn Rand's "objectivism" and "selfishness" is based in major part on Aristotle, but also on insane Neitzsche's readiness to sacrifice the weaker in favor of the stronger, seemingly a type of Herbert Spencer's Social Darwinism, survival of the fittest.

then there's marxist "ethics," where the rich can be sacrifed in favor of the workers.