Infinite Utility and Temporal Neutrality
Suppose that time is infinitely long towards the future, and that each feasible action produces a finite amount of utility at each time. Then, under appropriate conditions, each action produces an infinite amount of utility. Does this mean that utilitarianism lacks the resources to discriminate among such actions? Since each action produces the same infinite amount of utility, it seems that utilitarianism must judge all actions permissible, judge all actions impermissible, or remain completely silent. If the future is infinite, that is, the prospects for utilitarianism look bleak.
1999 ◽
Vol 40
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pp. 1141-1142
1961 ◽
Vol 13
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pp. 29-41
1978 ◽
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1967 ◽
Vol 25
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1993 ◽
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1991 ◽
Vol 55
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pp. 295-298
1991 ◽
Vol 55
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pp. 353-355
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