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MPW 1153

A. Teleological Ethics. Utilitarianism and Egoism. Teleological Ethics. UtilitarianismActions are right if they are useful or for the greatest happiness of the greatest number of peopleWWIIJeremy Bentham (1748-1832)

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MPW 1153

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    1. MPW 1153 Week 6: Deontological vs. Teleological

    2. A. Teleological Ethics Utilitarianism and Egoism

    3. Teleological Ethics Utilitarianism Actions are right if they are useful or for the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people WWII Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) “The object of all legislation should be the greatest happiness for the greatest number”. Hedonic Calculus

    4. The Hedonic Calculus Intensity of happiness derived from an action Duration of happiness Certainty of happiness Propensity (how soon) of the experience of happiness Tendency to be followed by more happiness Purity of happiness: The tendency for an action to produce opposite effect and pain Extent of happiness: How many people will be affected? Calculus is done by multiplying the total balance w the extent or number of people experiencing happiness or suffering

    5. Hedonic Calculus Bentham envisaged the calculus could be used for criminal law reform: given a crime of a certain kind it would be possible to work out the minimum penalty necessary for its prevention.

    7. Quote on Utilitarianism “A teleological theory which regards the end of action to be ‘general happiness’ and which judges praiseworthy those acts, dispositions, rules, and institutions which maximize the happiness of all who are affected by them.” R.B. Ashmore.

    8. Utilitarianism in a Nutshell Choosing an action that will produce greatest good for the greatest number of people. This ‘good’ implies happiness and pleasures. Utility = something good/beneficial An action is CORRECT/RIGHT/GOOD if it produces happiness for the most number of people Conversely, if an action produces pain and suffering for many, then it is WRONG.

    9. Weaknesses of Utilitarianism Intensity of happiness or pain is a subjective matter which is difficult to measure (each person feels differently) Quality of pleasure or pain experienced by one individual is not the same as that of another (Bentham categorized 14 kinds of happiness/12 kinds of pain) Difficult to measure the quantity of happiness and pain of an individual at different times in diff circumstances

    10. John Stuart Mill’s Utility Principle An action is good, correct, and proper if it encourages maximum pleasure Suggested the ‘better versus worse’ measurement which involves quality/quantity Criteria of measurement ar ethe quality indicators of pleasure (ie. From good to bad; from objective to subjective)

    11. Weaknesses No special indicator given, so have to make assumptions abt level of pleasure to be measured HIGH Pleasure: education, intelligence, sensitivity towards others, moral feeling, mental health LOW pleasure: uneducated, stupid, egocentric, proud

    13. Thomas Hobbes on Egoism “Nothing is by itself good or evil; it becomes good or evil when someone accepts or rejects it.” But Hobbes implies that humans always act to achieve something good for themselves.

    14. B. Deontological Ethics Principle of Duty and Existentialism

    16. Principle of Duty: What Ought I do? Formula for determining action: Freedom + Fairness + Intelligence + Choice = Moral Action Duty for the sake of Duty Honesty for Honesty’s sake Kindness for Kindness sake

    17. Weaknesses Formalism What action can be used as a universal principle? Rigorism Insensitive and rigid Abstraction Principles too abstract for action Conflicting ground of obligation Duties may conflict Place of inclinations We must not enjoy ourselves No account for wrong-doing Sometimes we are bound by our desires/inclinations

    18. Kant’s Categorical Imperative Your action must be good/correct to the point that everyone else can live by it, no exceptions What are actions that establish Categorical Imperatives? Being honest Being fair/just Showing compassion to all Respecting the individuality of persons

    19. Conclusion Kant’s ethics are absolutist and hard to define Bentham’s utilitarianism is subjective and relative, leading to zero What is a model that combines both? When do you use it? How do we measure what is right and wrong? Who decides?

    20. Federal Court Case #2242 Plaintiff vs. Defendant Prosecution: Defence: Presiding Panel of Judges: Head of Jury:

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