The Oxford Utilitarianism Scale defines tendency to accept utilitarianism in terms of two factors: acceptance of instrumental harm for the greater good, and impartial beneficence.
But there is another question, which is subtly different, namely: what psychological features do we need to apply utilitarianism, and to do it well?
Once we turn to application, truth-seeking becomes hugely important. The utilitarian must find the best ways of doing good. You can only do that if you’re a devoted truth-seeker.
I wrote a blog post on utilitarianism and truth-seeking. Brief summary:
The Oxford Utilitarianism Scale defines tendency to accept utilitarianism in terms of two factors: acceptance of instrumental harm for the greater good, and impartial beneficence.
But there is another question, which is subtly different, namely: what psychological features do we need to apply utilitarianism, and to do it well?
Once we turn to application, truth-seeking becomes hugely important. The utilitarian must find the best ways of doing good. You can only do that if you’re a devoted truth-seeker.