Problems with Utilitarinism

Predictive Difficulties

Utilitarianism relies on the ability to predict the future to determine the most ethical action. The accuracy of such foresight is often questionable.
The philosophy assumes a virtually omniscient perspective, assuming one can predict all the potential positive and negative impacts of an action, which is unrealistic.
The focus on long-term consequences might paralyze decision-making process in urgent situations where an immediate response is required.

Requirement for Calculation

Utilitarianism assumes that happiness and suffering can be quantified, i.e., we can calculate and compare hedonic values. This is often problematic and practically challenging.
A related issue is the impartiality concept. In utilitarianism, everyone’s happiness counts the same, which runs counter to our deep-seated inclinations to prioritize loved ones.
The requirement for equal consideration might lead to ‘tyranny of the majority’ scenarios, where the happiness of the majority trumps the rights or happiness of a minority.

Potential for Immoral Actions

According to utilitarianism, any action could potentially be justified as long as it maximises happiness. This could lead to morally reprehensible actions being labelled as ethical under specific circumstances, referred to as utilitarian monster scenario.
There are also concerns related to the disregard for autonomy and individual rights. Individual rights, dignity, or justice can be overlooked if doing so leads to greater overall happiness.
It also faces challenges from integrity objection that individuals might end up doing things contrary to their own moral convictions in order to maximise overall happiness.

Impartiality and Self-Sacrifice

Utilitarianism might demand too much of individuals in terms of self-sacrifice, making it a seemingly demanding moral theory. The implication of dedicating oneself to maximise society’s happiness could lead to significant personal sacrifice, which many might find unreasonable.
Strict adherence might demand neglecting one’s own happiness or that of near and dear ones for the greater good.

Justice and Rights

Utilitarianism might clash with our common sense notions of justice. Actions generally deemed unjust - such as punishment of the innocent - can be warranted under utilitarianism if they increase overall happiness.
The philosophy often stands at odds with concepts like human rights, which are often treated as unassailable and non-negotiable. Utilitarianism, by contrast, sees these rights as conditionally important, only in so far as they tend to promote happiness.

Rule vs. Act Utilitarianism

While rule utilitarianism addresses some of these concerns, it opens new issues. For instance, it can become indistinguishable from act utilitarianism in scenarios where breaking a rule produces more happiness.