What is a major critique of utilitarianism?

• A. It often respects individual rights
• B. It can justify immoral actions for greater good
• C. It prioritizes policies over people
• D. It fails to consider societal impacts

Answer: (B)

One of the major critiques of utilitarianism is that it can justify immoral actions if they result in a greater overall good. This ethical framework is centered around maximizing happiness or utility, which can lead to situations where the rights and well-being of individuals are overlooked or sacrificed for the sake of achieving a perceived larger benefit for the majority. For example, if harming a few individuals could result in significant benefits for many others, a strict utilitarian approach might endorse such actions. This raises questions about moral principles and the intrinsic value of individual rights, as it implies that consequences can outweigh ethical considerations concerning justice, rights, and fairness. The critique emphasizes the potential danger of creating a slippery slope where harmful actions become permissible under the guise of promoting the greater good.