What is utilitarianism?

Due – Wednesday February 26th

Write a paper of about two to three pages (typed, double-spaced) in which you answer the following questions:

What is utilitarianism? Explain what you take to be the two most important objections to utilitarianism. What are the best utilitarian replies to these objections? Do the replies succeed in showing that utilitarianism is a plausible moral theory, or ought utilitarianism to be rejected?

Guidelines

Don’t write a long, vague, introduction. Aim instead to write about two sentences, in which you introduce a key concept and indicate what thesis you will argue for.

Choose your words carefully. Other things being equal, short sentences and short words are best. Aim above all for clarity.

Basic writing errors (in grammar and spelling) will count against you.

Don’t presuppose knowledge of the class material. Write so that one of your friends could understand your paper though she had neither read Rachels nor attended class (You may, however, assume that your friend understands validity and soundness). In general use your own words; do not copy or paraphrase passages from Rachels or other sources without attribution, and do not rely on lengthy direct quotations. You may, however, make use of your lecture notes without attribution.