This week we encountered several significant objections to utilitarianism

This week we encountered several significant objections to utilitarianism

This week we encountered several significant objections to utilitarianism. The following three are the most significant: The Experience Machine objection, as described by Robert Nozick; the Walking Away from Omelas objection, as described by Ursula Le Guin; and the Trolley Problem objection, as described by Judith Jarvis Thomson.

(1) Begin by describing ONE (and only one) of these objections. How does it work as an objection to utilitarianism?

(2) Then, defend utilitarianism from the objection.

(3) Afterwards, consider how Nozick, Le Guin, or Thomson might reply to your defense. Do you find this reply