Explain the flaws of Utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism is a legal doctrine formulated by Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century, it is a consequentialist school of thought which locates the morality in the consequences of an act. Exemplified by the Lifeboat case of 1884, where the stranded crew of over 18 days, over 1000 miles away from shore, believed that is was morally justified to kill one crew member in order to save the lives of the other three members of the ship. The flaws of utilitarianism is shown in the example however, as the crew members were later charged with murder. Bentham failed to acknowledge that the quality of acts is also a factor, and that despite the crew members acts creating 'the greatest good to the greatest number', meaning that more people saw benefits to their actions, the doctrine fails to acknowledge the rights and duties which are owed to the crew member who was killed, this is known as categorial morality, where morality is located in certain duties and rights regardkess of the consequences.

Answered by Kristian H. Law tutor

4083 Views

See similar Law A Level tutors

Related Law A Level answers

All answers ▸

How will I help you achieve highly in law?


What is the difference between the actus reus and the mens rea?


Critically assess the mens rea requirements for the offence of Murder


Critically discuss the doctrine of Parliamentary Sovereignty by reference to relevant case law


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy