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Single Idea 22846

[filed under theme 24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 4. Social Utilitarianism ]

Full Idea

Utilitarianism is a universalist ethic, so the political realisation of this ethic would seem to be a world state seeking to maximise happiness for the world's population.

Gist of Idea

The universalism of utilitarianism implies a world state

Source

John Charvet (Liberalism: the basics [2019], 12)

Book Ref

Charvet,John: 'Liberalism: the basics' [Routledge 2019], p.157


A Reaction

It certainly doesn't seem to favour the citizens of the state where it is implemented, since miserable people just across the border would have priority, and all miserable migrants must be welcomed. There is no loyalty to citizens.


The 12 ideas with the same theme [maximum happiness as the aim of government]:

Maximise happiness by an area of strict privacy, and an area of utilitarian interventions [Mill, by Wolff,J]
Sidwick argues for utilitarian institutions, rather than actions [Sidgwick, by Tuckness/Wolf]
Utilitarians lump persons together; Rawls somewhat separates them; Nozick wholly separates them [Swift on Rawls]
We shouldn't focus on actual preferences, which may be distorted by injustices [Nussbaum]
The quest of the general good is partly undermined by people's past entitlements [Kymlicka]
We shouldn't endorse preferences which reject equality, and show prejudice and selfishness [Kymlicka]
Utilitarianism is no longer a distinctive political position [Kymlicka]
Using utilitarian principles to make decisions encourages cold detachment from people [Kymlicka]
Utilitarianism is irrational if it tells you to trade in your rights and resources just for benefits [Kymlicka]
Utilitarianism probably implies a free market plus welfare [Wolff,J]
Utilitarianism neglects responsibility, duties and rights [Oksala]
The universalism of utilitarianism implies a world state [Charvet]