Consequentialism is defined as the actions that should be more evaluated on the basis of the consequences. However, it’s the results from that particular consequence that actually strikes a nerve. In the mindset of utilitarian’s consequences focus on the happiness and pleasure of that particular end result. The understanding that the consequences are so good that it outweighs the negativity; maximizing happiness for all. However, for people such as Bernard Williams we shouldn’t regard consequences as happiness or pleasure for the multitude of people, but rather the happiness within ourselves. Williams reason in criticizing utilitarianism is because of their insensibility to recognize self-morality, self-dignity, personal commitment, and understanding the importance of integrity.
One of the main leading factors in Williams disagreement towards the idea of
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The second case study involves George, the poor chemist who was looking for a job. In George case, he’s stuck in a position on whether it would be right to take on a job that goes against his personal beliefs, chemical and biological warfare. For George the job causes much restraint because he opposes the entire role and responsibilities that the job entails. However, if George refuse to take the job he’s allowing for another candidate with immense passion for chemical warfare to take the job. A genuine utilitarian would say that George should “take the job” and to disregard his feelings. What seems to strike the attention of Williams and myself is the way utilitarians scrutinize the emotions and feelings of the agent. If a utilitarian would answer whether or not to kill the Indian, they would simply reply with “Kill the Indian.” Jim’s “squeamishness” antics in killing one of the Indians and George’s feelings towards the chemical warfare seems irrational to the mindset of a