What is a potential weakness of utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that posits actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people. A significant potential weakness of this approach is that it may overlook the importance of individual rights.

In utilitarianism, the focus is on maximizing overall happiness, which can sometimes lead to situations where the rights of individuals or minority groups are sacrificed for the sake of achieving the greater good. For instance, a utilitarian perspective might justify actions that harm a few if those actions result in greater benefits for the majority. This raises ethical concerns about justice and fairness since it can lead to justifying morally questionable actions, such as oppression or exploitation, as long as they produce a net increase in happiness.

This critique highlights a fundamental tension in ethical reasoning: balancing collective welfare with respect for individual autonomy and rights. Utilitarianism may fail to adequately protect individuals from being treated merely as means to an end, thereby neglecting the intrinsic value of each person's rights. This emphasis on overall outcomes may thus render it insufficient for safeguarding individual dignity and moral integrity.