Good ideas and conversation. No ads, no tracking. Login or Take a Tour!
You brought up a perfect instance where Utilitarianism falls short. In the instance where you "enslave a small population for the betterment of the masses" this is morally permissible by pure utilitarianism. But image Utilitarianism that has a side constraint that generally maximizes happiness when adhered to. Therefore actions considered have to be asked first and foremost, "does this violate this side constraint?" and if it doesn't, "which action that doesn't violate this side constraint maximizes happiness?" That side constraint is up to your imagination, and I would love to hear what side constraints you would apply. What do you think?