Frankly this is precisely the kind of ruthless pragmatism that gives utilitarians such a horrible reputation.
Mmm, that's a good point.
Potentially - If people know you're going to play according to a higher rule or purpose, rather than following feelings, then how much are they going to trust that you're really going to exercise that rule on their behalf?
It'd be like the old argument that people should be allowed to kidnap people off the streets and take their organs - because when you average it out any individual is more likely to need an organ than be the one kidnapped so it's the better gamble for everyone to make. But we don't really imagine it that way, we a...
Another monthly installment of the rationality quotes thread. The usual rules apply: