Using at least one quote from one of the required readings, briefly explain the ethical theory of utilitarianism.

Ethical theories have core ideas, principles, and assumptions. For any ethical theory, there are objections that can be raised against those core ideas, principles, and assumptions. Several objections to utilitarianism are discussed in Chapter 3, Section 3.5 of the textbook, and John Stuart Mill (2017/1863) discusses 8 objections in Utilitarianism (in Chapter 3 of the textbook, the text can be found under “Primary Sources” and the objections under the section, “Objections and Replies”).

Choose one of these objections and briefly explain the core idea in your own words.

Reflect on the theory:
Present a scenario (real or imagined) in which a committed utilitarian would probably make one choice, but someone who finds this objection compelling would probably make a different choice. (In other words, put yourself in the mind of someone making that objection, and you’re imagining a scenario in which that person would likely make a certain ethical judgment but a utilitarian would make a different ethical judgment.)

Reflect on yourself:
In your view, does considering this situation strengthen and support the objection (thus showing a weakness to utilitarianism), or does it help strengthen utilitarianism by showing how a utilitarian could respond to that objection?

Discuss with your peers:
Discuss the scenarios raised by your peers, and if they use that scenario to defend utilitarianism, consider what the objector might say in response; if they use that scenario to challenge utilitarianism, consider what a utilitarian might say in response.

Thames, B. (2018). How should one live? Introduction to ethics and moral reasoning (3rd ed.). San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education.