Single Idea 22408

[catalogued under 22. Metaethics / C. The Good / 1. Goodness / g. Consequentialism]

Full Idea

The emphasis on the necessary comparability of situations is a peculiar feature of consequentialism in general.

Gist of Idea

Consequentialism assumes that situations can be compared

Source

Bernard Williams (A Critique of Utilitarianism [1973], 2)

Book Reference

Smart,J./Williams,B.: 'Utilitarianism For and Against' [CUP 1978], p.88


A Reaction

A nice point. Utilitarians might achieve comparison by totting up the happiness in each situation, but once you include the consequences of the consequences the problems are obvious. Was 1789 a good thing? Too early to say.