Discussion Of Objections Tom Regan Gives To Utilitarianism

Discussion 1what Objections Does Tom Regan Give To The Utilitarian App

What objections does Tom Regan give to the utilitarian approach to ethics? What does he mean when he says that utilitarianism does not value us as individuals but only our feelings? Is he right? Do you agree with him that the ends do not justify the means (why or why not)?

Paper For Above instruction

Tom Regan critically challenges the utilitarian approach to ethics primarily through his emphasis on the inherent moral value of individuals, particularly non-human animals, and the limitations he perceives within utilitarianism's focus on aggregate happiness or pleasure. Regan's objections stem from his deontological perspective, which asserts that individuals possess intrinsic worth independent of their utility or contribution to total happiness. In contrast, utilitarianism adopts a consequentialist framework that evaluates morality solely based on the outcomes, often reducing individuals to mere sources of pleasure or pain.

One of Regan's main objections revolves around the reduction of moral worth to a measure of feelings or pleasures. He contends that utilitarianism's emphasis on maximizing overall happiness undermines the dignity and moral rights of individual beings. When utilitarianism evaluates actions based solely on their capacity to produce the greatest good, it can justify actions that violate individual rights if doing so results in a net increase in happiness. For instance, sacrificing an innocent individual for the greater happiness of many violates the intrinsic worth that Regan attributes to moral agents and subjects of a life.

Regan further argues that utilitarianism's focus on feelings—pleasure and pain—means it neglects the moral significance of the individual’s inherent worth and rights. When utilitarianism states that only feelings matter, it implicitly denies that individuals have moral rights that transcend their utility. For Regan, this means that the individual as a subject of a life deserves respect and moral consideration, regardless of whether their suffering or happiness impacts the overall utilitarian calculation. Thus, utilitarianism tends to treat individuals as means to an end, rather than ends in themselves, a stance that Regan finds morally problematic.

He asserts that valuing feelings exclusively leads to a form of moral inconsistency and injustice because it fails to recognize the inherent dignity of individuals. For example, cruelty or exploitation might be justified if it increases total happiness, which contradicts moral intuitions about respecting individuals’ rights and dignity. By emphasizing feelings over individual moral worth, utilitarianism may permit or even endorse morally egregious actions if they serve the greater good.

When Regan claims that the ends do not justify the means, he emphasizes that morality must respect the intrinsic worth of individuals, and using them merely as a means to achieve happiness is morally unacceptable. This perspective aligns with deontological ethics, which prioritizes moral duties and rights over consequences. Regan believes that certain actions are inherently wrong, regardless of their outcomes, especially when they violate the moral rights of individuals.

In assessing whether Regan's objections are valid, it is important to consider the conflict between consequentialist and deontological theories. While utilitarianism’s focus on outcomes can lead to morally questionable justifications, it aims to promote the greatest overall happiness. Regan’s perspective underscores the importance of moral rights and inherent dignity, which many argue are essential for a just moral framework.

Personally, I find Regan’s emphasis on the intrinsic worth of individuals compelling, especially regarding issues like animal rights and social justice. Morally, it resonates with the intuition that certain actions—such as cruelty—are inherently wrong regardless of their utility. However, I also recognize the practical strengths of utilitarianism, particularly in policy-making where maximizing well-being can provide clear guidance. The challenge lies in balancing respect for individual rights with the pursuit of the greater good, suggesting the need for a nuanced ethical approach that incorporates elements of both perspectives.

References

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