Single Idea 4281

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

Full Idea

Stalin and Hitler justified their actions in utilitarian terms, ..and no one can accuse them, for who knows what the long-term effects of their actions might be? But a morality which can't pass final judgement on Hitler or Stalin is a kind of sick joke.

Gist of Idea

Utilitarianism says we can't blame Stalin yet, but such a theory is a sick joke

Source

Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.52)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.52


A Reaction

A powerful argument against simplistic consequentialism. We can judge an action at any time, even beforehand, and that must be part of morality, which can't just observe the unfolding consequences.