3 ms·
Utilitarian outcome is not the only basis for policy, especially in a society that has individual liberty as a core value. If it was, we could have a much more
by psyc 10y ago
Utilitarian outcome is not the only basis for policy, especially in a society that has individual liberty as a core value. If it was, we could have a much more draconian society than we do. We don't ban things everywhere we find a statistical increase in harm.
- davidf18 10y agoYet, we also make a distinction where people can harm themselves but we pass laws that protect others from harms. For example, be pass laws banning cigarette smoking in public places, in parks, etc. We also have a drinking age of 21, and many/most states now consider driving with a blood alcohol level above 0.8 as drunk driving. These acts are to protect other drivers and pedestrians from being harmed by drunk driving. It is not unreasonable to want to ensure that fetuses are protected too.