Single Idea 3782

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

Full Idea

Objections to utilitarianism as maximisation of preferences: faded past desires or the desires of the dead; obtaining desires and happiness are different; fewer desires are easier to satisfy; pain is good if it can be removed.

Gist of Idea

Satisfaction of desires is not at all the same as achieving happiness

Source

report of Jonathan Glover (Introductions to Utilitarianism and its Critics [1990], Pt Two) by PG - Db (ideas)

Book Reference

'Utilitarianism and Its Critics', ed/tr. Glover,Jonathan [Macmillan 1990], p.38