An Exploration of the Strengths and Limitations of Utilitarianism in Engineering Practice

Abstract

Utilitarianism centers on the greatest happiness and adheres to the principles of consequentialism, utilitarian calculus and impartiality. Its pursuit of efficiency and benefits, compatibility with quantitative analytical tools, and ethical justification for collective decision-making enable its in-depth alignment with engineering practice, making it a vital ethical framework for engineering decision-making. In engineering practice, utilitarianism sets a value orientation centered on public interests, optimizes resource allocation, and facilitates technological innovation and progress. The comprehensive flood control, power generation and shipping benefits of the Three Gorges Project serve as a typical example. Nevertheless, utilitarianism bears prominent limitations. It tends to overlook individual rights and the interests of minority groups and triggers imbalances between short-term and long-term interests. Furthermore, uncertainties in the prediction of engineering consequences escalate the risks of its application, and the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident has revealed the hazards arising from the one-sided pursuit of utility. Therefore, diverse ethical theories such as deontology and virtue ethics should be introduced. It is essential to strengthen responsibility ethics and full-life-cycle risk management, and improve mechanisms for public participation and democratic decision-making, so as to promote engineering practice to realize the coordinated development of economic benefits, social equity and environmental sustainability.