Many societies have historically marginalized or excluded LGBT people due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This has led to various forms of discrimination, violence, and exclusion from social, economic, and political institutions. Utilitarian reasoning is often used to justify these actions based on the belief that it benefits society as a whole.
Utilitarians believe that all individuals should be treated equally, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, and that happiness and harm should be evaluated objectively based on evidence.
Utilitarian reasoning argues that societies should prioritize maximizing overall happiness, which means increasing pleasure and minimizing pain. This includes taking into account everyone's preferences, including those of LGBT people who are often ignored or marginalized. According to this view, if the majority of society is happy, even if some individuals suffer, then there is still a net gain in total happiness.
Laws that criminalize homosexuality may increase the short-term happiness of heterosexuals but decrease the long-term happiness of LGBT individuals by causing them to live in fear and isolation.
Some utilitarians argue that the moral value of an action depends on its consequences rather than intentions. If a law or policy causes harm, even if unintentionally, then it is immoral. In this case, laws that exclude or marginalize LGBT people can be seen as morally wrong because they lead to negative consequences for LGBT individuals and society as a whole.
Denying same-sex couples marriage rights can result in less stable relationships, more financial instability, and higher rates of domestic violence.
Some utilitarians also acknowledge the importance of distributive justice, which means fair treatment across different groups. They argue that policies that benefit one group at the expense of another are unfair and therefore immoral.
Anti-LGBT policies such as 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' have been criticized for disproportionately affecting gay men, leading to high levels of anxiety and depression among this population. This has led some utilitarians to call for equal treatment and inclusion of all groups in policy decisions.
Utilitarian reasoning does not always take into account individual preferences and experiences. It often focuses solely on quantifiable outcomes and ignores qualitative factors like dignity, autonomy, and respect. It also does not consider the social and cultural context in which these policies operate, including homophobia and transphobia. As a result, it may perpetuate oppression by prioritizing the majority over the minority.
While utilitarianism may seem like an objective way to evaluate happiness and harm, it fails to adequately address the complexities of human experience and exclusionary practices. To truly promote wellbeing, societies must recognize the unique needs and perspectives of all individuals, including those who identify as LGBT. This requires a more holistic approach that considers multiple dimensions of wellbeing, including physical health, mental health, economic stability, and social support. Only then can we create a society where everyone is treated equally and fairly, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
How does utilitarian reasoning evaluate happiness and harm in societies that marginalize or exclude LGBT individuals?
Utilitarian reasoning evaluates happiness and harm in relation to the entire society, not just for specific groups such as LGBT individuals. Utilitarians believe that the greatest good should be maximized for all people, regardless of their identity or beliefs.