What is so valuable about the utilitarian argument. Benthamite principles led to the development of workhouse ideologies and have been used to justify unspeakable neglect and cruelty to minorities.

Secondly, does Singer have a greater responsibility for his promotion because of his prominence and authority. Pushing the view that some human beings have little or no value can influence others to put this into practice. Dr. Harold Shipman, a general practitioner convicted of killing mainly older women may have felt this way although we don't know his motives. Less dramatic situations such as hospital doctors with pressure on beds and a tight budget are more likely to consider switching someone off life support because of Singer. Utilitarian logic has limited value when it comes to evaluating human life. Some paradoxes cannot be acceptably resolved this way.

-- Dr. A.R.A. Stevens, Principle Lecturer, APU Essex, England (posted 3/6, 11:55 a.m., E.S.T.)

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