Page 1 of 4

DRAWBACKS OF UTILITARIAN THEORY

Utilitarianism is the ethical theory that the best action is the one that maximizes overall

utility. Utility is typically defined as happiness, pleasure, or the absence of pain (Savulescu et al.,

2020). Utilitarianism has been criticized as:

The problem of measuring utility:

It is difficult or impossible to measure utility. How do we compare the happiness of one

person to the happiness of another? How do we measure the happiness of future generations?

Utilitarians have proposed a number of different ways of measuring utility, but none of these

methods is universally accepted.

The problem of distribution:

Even if it were possible to measure utility, utilitarianism would still face the problem of

distribution. How should we distribute the benefits and burdens of our actions? Utilitarianism

implies that we should always act in a way that maximizes overall utility, regardless of who

benefits and who loses. This can lead to outcomes that are considered unfair or unjust.

The problem of individual rights:

Utilitarianism is also criticized for its disregard for individual rights. According to

utilitarianism, it is sometimes permissible to violate individual rights if doing so would maximize

overall utility. For example, a utilitarian might argue that it is sometimes permissible to lie or to

break a promise if doing so would prevent greater harm. Critics of utilitarianism argue that

individual rights should never be violated, regardless of the consequences.

The problem of ignoring intrinsic value:

 Page 2 of 4

Utilitarianism is a theory of value that only considers the extrinsic value of things. The

extrinsic value of something is its value as a means to an end. For example, money has extrinsic

value because it can be used to buy other things that we value. Utilitarianism does not recognize

the intrinsic value of things, which is their value in and of themselves. For example, a person's

life or a beautiful work of art might be said to have intrinsic value. Critics of utilitarianism argue

that we should also consider the intrinsic value of things when making moral decisions.

The problem of focusing on outcomes:

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory, which means that it only considers the

consequences of our actions when making moral decisions. Critics of utilitarianism argue that we

should also consider the intentions of our actions and the character of the person who is

performing the action. For example, two people might perform the same action for different

reasons, and one person's action might be considered morally right while the other person's

action is considered morally wrong.

In addition to these general criticisms, there are a number of specific counterarguments to

utilitarianism. For example, some critics have argued that utilitarianism is incompatible with

certain moral values, such as justice and fairness. Others have argued that utilitarianism is too

demanding, as it requires us to consider the consequences of our actions for everyone in the

world. Still, others have argued that utilitarianism is too subjective, as it depends on our

individual judgments about what constitutes utility.

Utilitarianism can lead to injustice:

 Page 3 of 4

For example, a utilitarian might argue that it is permissible to discriminate against or

exploit a minority group if doing so would maximize overall utility. However, this would be

considered unfair by most people.

Utilitarianism can be too demanding:

For example, a utilitarian might argue that we should always give to charity, even if it

means sacrificing our own interests. However, this would be considered too demanding by most

people.

Utilitarianism can be too subjective:

For example, two utilitarians might disagree about what constitutes utility. For example,

one utilitarian might argue that happiness is the only thing that has intrinsic value, while another

utilitarian might argue that pleasure or the absence of pain also has intrinsic value. This

disagreement would make it difficult to reach a consensus on moral judgments.

 Page 4 of 4

REFERENCES
Savulescu, J., Persson, I., & Wilkinson, D. (2020). Utilitarianism and the pandemic. Bioethics, 34(6), 620-
632.