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How does Utilitarianism deal with the issue of human rights violations?

Tyron Lockier

Utilitarianism is a moral theory that is concerned with the well-being of society as a whole, rather than with the rights of individuals. It is based on the principle of the greatest happiness for the greatest number, and considers the consequences of actions in order to determine their moral value.

When it comes to human rights violations, there are a number of ways in which Utilitarianism might approach the issue. One possibility is that it would prioritize the well-being of the majority over the rights of a minority that is being persecuted or oppressed. For example, if a government were considering whether to violate the human rights of a certain group of people in order to achieve some greater good, Utilitarianism might argue that the benefits to society as a whole outweigh the harm done to the minority.

However, this approach raises some significant ethical concerns. It is difficult to justify the suffering of a minority in the name of the greater good, particularly when those individuals may be made to suffer through no fault of their own. It is also questionable whether this approach truly maximizes overall well-being, as it may erode trust and social cohesion, ultimately leaving everyone worse off.

Another way in which Utilitarianism might approach human rights violations is to argue that such violations are inherently detrimental to the well-being of society as a whole. By violating the rights of individuals, governments or other actors risk destabilizing the social order and creating a sense of mistrust and fear. This, in turn, can lead to a breakdown in cooperation and a decrease in overall happiness.

Under this approach, Utilitarianism would prioritize the protection of human rights as a key element of the overall social good. Rather than seeing human rights as a sacrifice that must be made in order to achieve some other goal, Utilitarianism would view the protection of human rights as a necessary prerequisite for a stable, well-functioning society. By protecting the rights of all individuals, society is able to maintain a sense of trust and cooperation that maximizes overall happiness.

Of course, this approach also has limitations. One of the challenges of protecting human rights is that it can often be difficult to determine what exactly constitutes a violation. Different cultures and societies have different understandings of what constitutes a human right, and determining a universal set of standards can be challenging. Additionally, protecting human rights can often come into conflict with other goals, such as maintaining national security or promoting economic growth.

Overall, Utilitarianism presents an interesting framework for thinking about human rights violations. While there are no easy answers to this complex issue, Utilitarianism provides a useful starting point for considering the trade-offs between individual rights and the greater good. By prioritizing the well-being of society as a whole, while also recognizing the importance of protecting the rights of individuals, Utilitarianism offers a nuanced and thoughtful approach to this important ethical issue.