Objections to Act Utilitarianism

A. "Lack of Time" Objection

1. If AU is an acceptable normative theory, then Sid morally ought to calculate before diving in.
2. It's not the case that Sid morally ought to calculate before diving in.
3. Therefore, it's not the case that AU is an acceptable normative theory. [1,2 MT]

 
B. "Too High for Humanity" Objection

1. If AU is an acceptable normative theory, then Betty's action is morally wrong.
2. It's not the case that Betty's action is morally wrong.
3. Therefore, it's not the case that AU is an acceptable normative theory. [1,2 MT]
 

C. Punishment Objection                                           HU

a1 authorize the frame-up                                          +1000
a2 try to catch all imitators                                          -500
a3 try to calm public by explaining facts                       -600
a4 call FBI                                                                 -250
a5 retire, let someone else deal with it                          -800
 

D. Organ Harvest

 
a1 kill Digit; harvest his organs                                    +1,000,000
a2 let Digit live and our hedono-doloric heroes die          -250,000
 
1. If AU is an acceptable normative theory, then a1 is morally obligatory.
2. It's not the case that a1 is morally obligatory.
3. Therefore, it's not the case that AU is an acceptable normative theory. [1,2 MT]

• Also be familiar with the slavery objection and the fat man objection.

E. Normative Irrelevance of Justice Objection

D1. Factor F is normatively irrelevant =df. Factor F has no direct bearing on the normative status of any act token.

1. If AU is an acceptable normative theory, then justice is normatively irrelevant.
2. It's not the case that justice is normatively irrelevant.
3. Therefore, it's not the case that AU is an acceptable normative theory. [1,2 MT]