The problem I see with utilitarianism, or any form of…
“The problem I see with utilitarianism, or any form of consequentialism, is not that it gets the wrong answers to moral questions. I think just about any moral theory, worked out intelligently, and applied with good judgment, would get just about the same results as any other.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Consequentialist theories often converge on similar moral conclusions when applied wisely, so disagreements lie in method rather than outcomes.
In simple terms: Consequentialism leads to similar moral answers when used well.
Focus on reasoning, not just outcomes.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- ethical committees
- personal decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance outcomes with duties?
- When might consequentialism fail?
The approach may overlook deontological concerns.