The exact same arguments could be leveled against intrapersonal utility comparisons. After all, a person’s desires and tastes change over time, or even oscillate.
The answer to both “dilemmas” is the same: one can only get there from here. That is, each must use one’s present weightings of the various dimensions of utility. In a democracy or an anarchy, these can then be discussed and bargained over to reach some reasonable trade-off between (e.g.) those who especially want to see their fellow citizens experience more pleasure and those who especially wish to see them exercise more autonomy.
Of course, this makes utilitarian arguments secondary to (e.g.) democratic process. But that’s the way I like it.
The exact same arguments could be leveled against intrapersonal utility comparisons. After all, a person’s desires and tastes change over time, or even oscillate.
Not exactly, but I see what you mean. I agree that (at least seemingly) analogous arguments can be leveled against intrapersonal utility comparisons (with a similar level of inductive strength).
Of course, this makes utilitarian arguments secondary to (e.g.) democratic process. But that’s the way I like it.
I would wager that you wouldn’t be so pleased if your preferences differed significantly from the median voter’s.
The exact same arguments could be leveled against intrapersonal utility comparisons. After all, a person’s desires and tastes change over time, or even oscillate.
The answer to both “dilemmas” is the same: one can only get there from here. That is, each must use one’s present weightings of the various dimensions of utility. In a democracy or an anarchy, these can then be discussed and bargained over to reach some reasonable trade-off between (e.g.) those who especially want to see their fellow citizens experience more pleasure and those who especially wish to see them exercise more autonomy.
Of course, this makes utilitarian arguments secondary to (e.g.) democratic process. But that’s the way I like it.
Not exactly, but I see what you mean. I agree that (at least seemingly) analogous arguments can be leveled against intrapersonal utility comparisons (with a similar level of inductive strength).
I would wager that you wouldn’t be so pleased if your preferences differed significantly from the median voter’s.