For a fixed population any reasonable utilitarian must maximize the sum of individual utility. The fact that your system does not shows its fundamental "logical" weakness.
c) If everyone is indifferent between two universes, both universes have qual utility.
Then, John Harsanyi showed in 1955 that we have to believe in the existence of a utility function which "should" be maximized. This means, among other things, that given a fixed population, we should maximize the sum of utility. Your system (and your portrayal of... (read more)
For a fixed population any reasonable utilitarian must maximize the sum of individual utility. The fact that your system does not shows its fundamental "logical" weakness.
Take a look the Von Neumann-Morgenstern axioms. Seriously, read it - it's just a list of four assumptions. If we assume
a) Individual "wellbeing" follows these axioms.
b) "Social welfare" follows these axioms.
c) If everyone is indifferent between two universes, both universes have qual utility.
Then, John Harsanyi showed in 1955 that we have to believe in the existence of a utility function which "should" be maximized. This means, among other things, that given a fixed population, we should maximize the sum of utility. Your system (and your portrayal of... (read more)