1. Do not harm any of the ants 2. Make sure the needs of every ant are fulfilled each day. this task for you is very simple.
You are mistaken if you think this task is simple. It only sounds simple—there is a _TON_ of complexity, as you later notice, in the number and variety of ants, combined with the limitation that you are not allowed to aggregate their well-being, but must individually not harm and fulfill each of their needs. In reality, there are very few truly pareto improvements, without negotiation and payment among the individuals.
I argue this is the primary mistake made by utilitarians—incorrect (massively over-simple) aggregation of moral weight of individuals.
You are mistaken if you think this task is simple. It only sounds simple—there is a _TON_ of complexity, as you later notice, in the number and variety of ants, combined with the limitation that you are not allowed to aggregate their well-being, but must individually not harm and fulfill each of their needs. In reality, there are very few truly pareto improvements, without negotiation and payment among the individuals.
I argue this is the primary mistake made by utilitarians—incorrect (massively over-simple) aggregation of moral weight of individuals.