Open AccessA Critical Study of Robert Nozick’s View on Utilitarianism
Author(s) -
Sajia Afrin
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
philosophy and progress
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2305-6851
pISSN - 1607-2278
DOI - 10.3329/pp.v61i1-2.44208
Subject(s) - utilitarianism , monster , utopia , philosophy , irrational number , doctrine , epistemology , law and economics , positive economics , economics , sociology , law , political science , mathematics , art history , theology , art , geometry
In this paper, I will analyze and critically evaluate 20th century American philosopher Robert Nozick’s position regarding utilitarianism; how he refutes utilitarianism with reference to two new concepts called “Experience Machine” and “Utility Monster”. I will argue that if we were given the option of entering into an experience machine as Nozick presented in his book Anarchy State and Utopia, in which we can create a new better life for ourselves, then it would be irrational to refuse the option. I will then reply to Nozick’s objection regarding utilitarianism within his concept of utility monster, where he argued that accepting the theory of utilitarianism causes the necessary acceptance of a utility monster, that is, the condition that some people would use this doctrine to justify the exploitation of others. I will argue here that giving “happy units” to weak utility monsters can bring about wonderful result. All my arguments are formed within utilitarian consequentialist framework.
Philosophy and Progress, Vol#61-62; No#1-2; Jan-Dec 2017 P 165-176