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24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 4. Social Utilitarianism

[maximum happiness as the aim of government]

12 ideas
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]