WombatPriest

Are there any utilitarianists/consequentialists out there?
What are the arguments that you find most convincing?

I personally feel like utilitarianism misses the point of ethics a bit, focusing too much on the (possible) consequences than the actions themselves.
But I don't have a particularly well-thought out view.

Looking for a mild discussion maybe, thought I'd try short-message social media for friendly debating. Could be insane.

#philosophy #utilitarianism #ethics #moral #discussion

Aug 30, 2025 at 11:04pmTusky
Show threadpookiesorceryOct 8
@WombatPriest i would argue that the problem starts with the definition of what is "useful". If you take the US or Europe, you will find many different perceptions of what is "useful" or wht brings "happiness". Id say it is one of those concepts that seem useful on an abstract level but become rather questionable when facing reality. like the concept of "perfection"....
Show threadWombatPriestOct 8

@pookiesorcery ironically, I think even John Stuart Mill said that an unhappy Socrates is more "valuable" than a happy pig (which seems to go against the common understanding of utilitarianism).

And even more ironically, it seems to me that "suffering" is much better to grasp than "happiness". If you ask someone if they suffer, they'd probably say yes or no. If you ask them whether they are happy, you'd likely get "what do you mean? I guess, probably". But maybe that's just me

Show threadpookiesorceryOct 8
@WombatPriest totally on board on when you ask about happiness. i would say that its even taboo to openly express happiness (except on corporate social media, or Ads). We are constantly reminded in many different ways that life is suffering, either through religion or the news. It's "human nature" we are told and apparently the only way out is by consuming (happiness is the hallmark of advertising), or praying to an abstract entity your culture supports.
Show threadpookiesorceryOct 8
@WombatPriest there's this song a guy says somethin like "it's not about the pursuit of happiness but the happiness in the pursuit"... and i really think it's that simple. Just live...Realizing that the world is not suppose to be perfect or the way you want is not suffering, it's being wise. You will never know everything so you better start learning from others and sharing your knowledge... with respect... idk.. end of mini rant ;)