more from John Rawls

Single Idea 3279

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 1. Utilitarianism]

Full Idea

Rawls claims that utilitarianism applies to the problem of many interests a method appropriate for one individual. A single person may accept disadvantages in exchange for benefits, but in society other people get the benefits.

Gist of Idea

Utilitarianism inappropriately scales up the individual willingness to make sacrifices

Source

report of John Rawls (A Theory of Justice [1972], p.74,104) by Thomas Nagel - Equality §7

Book Reference

Nagel,Thomas: 'Mortal Questions' [CUP 1981], p.119