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Advantages, Strengths & Weaknesses of Utilitarianism

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Please provide the strengths, advantages, and weaknesses of Utilitarianism.

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This solution discusses the strengths, advantages, and weaknesses of Utilitarianism. Both types of Utilitarianism are discussed.

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Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism derives from 'utility' or usefulness. Morality is or ought to be useful. Most prominent philosophers of utilitarianism were Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873).

Two kinds of utilitarianism:

1. Act utilitarianism: Everyone should perform that act that will bring about the greatest good for everyone.
2. Rule utilitarianism: Everyone should follow that rule that will bring about the greatest good for everyone.

1. Act Utilitarianism (AU).

Perform that act that will bring about the most good for everyone affected by that act. AUs believe that each situation is different. Each individual must try to bring about the greatest amount of good consequences for all involved in this situation at this time.

Advantages/Strengths

1. Considers consequences to others
2. Helps look at situations from various perspectives

Weaknesses - Criticisms of AU

1. Difficulty of determining consequences for others.
2. Impracticality of beginning anew: Are all acts and situations completely different?
3. Difficulty of ...

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