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Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism. Outline. Introduction: History and Basics. Utility. Impartiality. Consequentialism. Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism. Introduction – Utilitarianism History. Historical context : downfall of Christendom and of absolute kingdoms – rise of democracy

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Utilitarianism

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  1. Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  2. Outline Introduction: History and Basics Utility Impartiality Consequentialism Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  3. Introduction – Utilitarianism History Historical context: downfall of Christendom and of absolute kingdoms – rise of democracy A theory of morality for the modern society: Non-religious, non-metaphysical, practical Aim: a clear method for our individual, political and social choices in our modern democracies Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  4. Introduction – Utilitarianism History Founding Fathers: Social Reformers • Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) – poor, lunatics, prisoners • John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) – women, slaves, working class Progressive School Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  5. Introduction – Utilitarianism Two Basic Insights Aim of morality: The aim of morality is to make the world a better place by increasing the amount of overall happiness in the world. How to judge the moral value of our behavior? The only objective way to judge one’s behavior is by looking at the actual results of one’s actual acts. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  6. Introduction – Utilitarianism Examples of the Utilitarian Calculation The utilitarian calculation: Is action A the right thing to do? - Consider all parties involved - Look whether or not action A increases the overall happiness Non-Human Animals - Research for Cancer - Cosmetics - Industrial Farming A simple, practical rule for judging the moral value of our actions. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  7. Introduction – Utilitarianism Definition Utilitarianism: Application of the Principle of Utility Utilitarianism: What is right to do is to do whatever has for consequence to maximize the happiness for everyone concerned 3/ Consequentialism 1/ Utility 2/ Impartiality Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  8. Outline Introduction: History and Basics Utility Impartiality Consequentialism Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  9. Utility Happiness = Pleasure Bentham, Mill: Happiness measured by amount of pleasure/pain  What is right is to do whatever has for consequence to maximize the amount of pleasure for everyone concerned  Problem: a “doctrine only worthy of swine”? Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  10. Utility Mill on Humans and Pleasure Mill’s claim: Strongest pleasures connected most refined activities. Mill’s argument: Trade Thought Experiment - The highest amount of pleasure comes with the most refined activities - Example: cd / dvd vs playing yourself Conditions for the experiment: - Need to know both sides - Need to educate and foster our taste for refined activities Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  11. Utility: Mill “It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a a fool satisfied. And if the fool, or the pig, are of a different opinion, it is because they only know their own side of the question” “Capacity for the nobler feelings is in most natures a very tender plant, easily killed, not only by hostile influences, but by mere want of sustenance.” Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  12. Utility Conclusion Utility = Happiness = Pleasure Objection: doctrine only worthy of a swine Answer: Humans take highest pleasure in most refined activities Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  13. Outline Introduction: History and Basics Utility Impartiality Consequentialism Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  14. Impartiality Everybody counts and counts equally Mill’s claim: The moral point of view: “as strictly impartial as a disinterested and benevolent spectator” Mill’s argument: No one’s happiness is, by itself, more valuable, then others’ Example: Policy making No particular group should be given special consideration Examples: race, gender, nationality etc.  Utilitarianism grasps an important part of morality: an impartial point of view Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  15. Impartiality Counter-Intuitive Consequences All humans: Yourself, your family and your friends do not count more than others Ex: building on fire, single mother in NYC, an afternoon with a book The “whole sentient creation”: Non humans animals count as well Bentham: “The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?” Is utilitarianism too demanding? Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  16. Impartiality The Utilitarian’s Answers Bite the bullet: our intuitions are mistaken The moral point of view is the point of view of impartiality Different factors enter into account in our decision making The moral point of view is but one factor: other considerations are important. Humans’ power is limited: Better efficiency when acting at a smaller scale?  Ideal morality is demanding, but we do not always act only according to morality Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  17. Impartiality Conclusion Impartiality = everybody’s interest counts, and counts equally Objection: Special treatment for ourselves, relatives and friends Answer: Morality is demanding but is only one of the factors entering in consideration when making life choices Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  18. Outline Introduction: History and Basics Utility Impartiality Consequentialism Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  19. Assessment of an action: consequences and not motives • If beneficial consequences, then action is good • If detrimental consequences , then action is bad • Whatever the intentions! Consequentialism Show me Results Advantage: Easy, uncontroversial assessment Example: Policy Making We are looking at our policy makers’ accomplishments, not intentions! Utilitarianism provide a straightforward method for assessing our actions. What are the problems? Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  20. Consequentialism The Problem of Personal Integrity Two examples: George the chemist / Jim in the jungle Williams’ claim: Utilitarianism deprives people of their integrity Williams’ argument: Utilitarianism separates people’s actions from the projects they are committed to.  Utilitarianism seems to impose some form of alienation on individuals Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  21. Bad calculation: - The world is a better place with people happy with themselves - Better efficiency comes with commitment to projects Consequentialism Answers to the Problem of Personal Integrity Bite the bullet: If some of our favored projects go against morality, so much for our projects – Morality IS demanding Different factors enter into account in our decision making The moral point of view is but one factor: other considerations are important. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  22. Consequentialism The Problem of Rights Consequentialism No absolute rules Rules: good only in so far as they promote the general welfare Conflict with rights: Riots, Angela York, Peeping Tom Utilitarianism seems to threaten fundamental rights Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  23. Consequentialism Answer to the Problem of Rights Bad Calculations : Riot, Angela York Peeping Tom? Bite the bullet: If common sense contradicts true morality, so much for common sense Ex: in the German woods Utilitarianism tells us that there is no absolute moral rules Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  24. Outline Introduction: History and Basics Utility Impartiality Consequentialism Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  25. Conclusion What to take from utilitarianism? Definition: Utilitarianism is the view that is right to do is to do whatever has for consequence to maximize the happiness for everyone concerned Three components: 1. Utility: How to measure happiness? Pleasure and pain 2. Impartiality:Everybody counts, and counts equally 3. Consequentialism:Only consequences count, not motives or rights Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

  26. Objections: 1. A doctrine worthy of a swine 2. Impartiality vs Close Relationships 3. Integrity 4. Rights Answer to objections: - Refined Pleasures - Bad calculations - Bite the bullet: Morality IS demanding - But morality is not all there is to decision making - There is no absolute rules Conclusion What to take from utilitarianism? Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

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