Document Type : Research Paper

Author

• Shirzad Peik-Herfeh

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to describe and analyze one of the most significant criticisms of classical utilitarianism in the Anglo-Saxon philosophical tradition. This criticism, called the “integrity criticism,” was put forward by Bernard Williams in 1973 and, along with the so-called “justice criticism” which was put forward by John Rawls in 1971, is counted as the most significant criticism of classical utilitarianism. It argues that utilitarianism threatens the agent’s “integrity” and “autonomy,” and brings extensive “alienation” from her considered moral judgments and friendly and lovely relationships. This paper describes Bernard William’s criticism of classical utilitarianism and its various guises. Then, using Roger Crisp’s, Julia Driver’s, and Timothy Chappell’s interpretations, it analyzes it from various perspectives. Analyzing the “integrity criticism” in its various guises enriches our understanding of “utilitarianism” and helps us to find out how and why its different forms have been put forward.

Keywords

• utilitarianism
• Alienation
• integrity
• Autonomy