Utilitarianism

• what is utilitarianisms view on pre-marital sex?


  Utilitarian ethics seeks to maximise the greatest happiness for the greatest number. If happiness is equated with hedonistic pleasure, rather than a wider sense of well-being and happiness, then utilitarianism could be used to legitimize a free, unregulated approach to sexual behaviour. This is because giving people license to have extra-marital sex can maximise pleasure.
• what is a strength?

  Rule Utilitarianism might argue that, as a rule, adultery is a bad thing.
• what is weakness?


  Extra-martial sex can lead to unhappiness, particularly if it results in the spread of STIs, shallow or unfulfilling relationships, or unwanted pregnancies. Pleasure could quickly begin to cause unhappiness to many people.
• what is a weakness?


  Adultery involves cheating on a spouse, which can destroy trust in a relationship and lead to resentment.