Situations with many individuals
Most situations don't involve just one individual, but many. How do we know whether a situation with lots of people and animals is good or bad?
Many possible aspects
We can look at different things, for example:
- the total well-being of everyone;
- the average;
- how many individuals are doing well;
- the situation of whoever is worst off;
- equality among individuals;
- whether each one gets what they deserve;
- certain valuable actions, like keeping promises and respecting rights;
- certain valuable relationships, like friendship and solidarity.
These are aspects, not complete theories.
Monists and pluralists again
Some views say only one aspect matters in itself (for example, only the total). Others say several matter. For example, some people think equality is only good because it usually increases total well-being, and others think it's good in itself.
When the aspects clash
Sometimes a situation is better in one respect and worse in another. Imagine:
- in situation 1, the total is bigger, but there's a lot of inequality;
- in situation 2, the total is a little smaller, but things are shared out more fairly.
Many people would think the second is better. This shows that equality can sometimes count more than the total. But it doesn't mean it always counts more.
In short
- Situations with several individuals can be judged by many aspects.
- Some views accept only one; others accept several.
- When the aspects clash, we have to weigh them.