Utilitarianism
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Publication dates and source age
Sources counted: 3
Newest dated source: 2023
Assessed at this edition's evidence cutoff: 2026-09-15. 18-month boundary: 2025-03-15.
Some publication dates are unknown; the newest dated source may not be the newest source overall.
Publication age does not tell us whether a claim is still valid. Reading an old source again does not make its publication date newer. An update date does not establish that the passage we used was updated.
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In plain language
An ethical approach aimed at maximizing overall well-being. Critics question whether this adequately protects individual rights or demands too much personal sacrifice. [1] [2]
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Limits & distinctions
Critics challenge sacrificing an individual for a greater total benefit. Defenders argue that respecting rights and practical rules often produces better outcomes. Different versions answer these objections differently. Utilitarianism is a moral theory; effective altruism is a broader approach and community. [2] [3] [1]
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A fuller explanation
A family of ethical views that judges actions by their effects on overall well-being, giving equal weight to each individual's welfare. It asks how the benefits and harms of a choice add up across those affected. [1]
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How it relates to the map
A moral framework does not by itself settle factual disagreements about AI benefits, harms or timelines. [1]
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https://theaiatlas.org/ideas/utilitarianism/
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Sources and what we read
1. Introduction to Utilitarianism
Publication dates and source age
Sources counted: 1
Publication dates are unavailable.
Assessed at this edition's evidence cutoff: 2026-09-15. 18-month boundary: 2025-03-15.
Some publication dates are unknown; the newest dated source may not be the newest source overall.
Publication age does not tell us whether a claim is still valid. Reading an old source again does not make its publication date newer. An update date does not establish that the passage we used was updated.
Read an advocate-authored philosophical introduction. Defines the view; does not establish its correctness or universal adoption among effective altruists.
2. Objections to Utilitarianism and Responses
Source is over 18 months old.
Publication dates and source age
Sources counted: 1
Newest dated source: 2023
Assessed at this edition's evidence cutoff: 2026-09-15. 18-month boundary: 2025-03-15.
Publication age does not tell us whether a claim is still valid. Reading an old source again does not make its publication date newer. An update date does not establish that the passage we used was updated.
Read the rights and demandingness objections and the authors’ response strategies. This textbook defends utilitarianism; its replies are arguments, not a resolution accepted by all moral philosophers.
3. Frequently asked questions and common objections
Publication dates and source age
Sources counted: 1
Publication dates are unavailable.
Assessed at this edition's evidence cutoff: 2026-09-15. 18-month boundary: 2025-03-15.
Some publication dates are unknown; the newest dated source may not be the newest source overall.
Publication age does not tell us whether a claim is still valid. Reading an old source again does not make its publication date newer. An update date does not establish that the passage we used was updated.
Read the definitions and replies on utilitarianism, uncertainty, systemic change and competing priorities. This is the movement website’s account of its principles, not an independent evaluation of its institutions.
Edition and machine-readable evidence
Content version 0.20.0. Evidence cutoff 2026-09-15; this does not mean every source was read on that day.
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