Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) Degree Practice Exam

What is a major drawback of utilitarian reasoning?

1. It ignores individual rights

2. It is difficult to measure costs and benefits accurately

3. It can lead to bias

4. It is too complex for everyday business decisions

The correct answer is: It is difficult to measure costs and benefits accurately

The major drawback of utilitarian reasoning stems from its inherent reliance on calculating and comparing the costs and benefits of actions to determine the best outcome for the greatest number of people. This approach often faces challenges in accurately measuring these costs and benefits, which introduces substantial uncertainty into the decision-making process. The complexity and variability of human experiences, emotional responses, and social contexts make it difficult to quantify certain outcomes in a way that reflects their true impact on individuals and communities. Accuracy issues can lead to misguided decisions that may seem beneficial based on a utilitarian calculation but end up having negative consequences for certain individuals or groups. This highlights a significant limitation of utilitarian reasoning: while it aims for the greatest good, the means of arriving at that good can be imprecise and potentially harmful if the metrics used are flawed or incomplete.