1. SUMMARY: Characteristics that a moral theory needs to “work” –Needs to help resolve moral issues in manner acceptable to society at large. The functions of a moral theory –To keep society from falling apart –To diminish human suffering –To promote human flourishing –To resolve conflicts of interest in just & orderly ways –To assign praise & blame: responsibility

2. CHARACTERISTICS of Moral Theories Moral Theories should provide for 1. STABILITY: constant, consistent –decisions not made on whim or caprice. 2. UNIVERSALITY: Principles or practices applied fairly/equally [same playing field ] –not different rules for different people in the same situation. 3. IMPARTIALITY: avoid inclinations/each person counts for one –showing favoritism for a friend or yourself. 4. OBJECTIVITY: Make decisions on a verifiable basis, apart from inclinations/emotions –decisions made on non-verifiable basis, or according to personal preference. 5. [Compassion?]

3. How do our philosophers provide for STABILITY 1.Hobbes: contract irrevocable/absolute ruler. 2.Mill: decide on the basic of publicly verifiable consequences – may lack stability because nothing is absolutely wrong 3.Kant: based in human reason, with all inclination and personal preference removed. 4.Aristotle: moral actions flow from people of good moral character.

4. How do our philosophers provide for UNIVERSALITY 1.Hobbes: all men agree to the covenant made. 2.Mill: be sure to consider the consequences for all those affected by an action 3.Kant: the moral law consists of universalizable principles. [1st Cat. Imp.] 4.Aristotle: assumes all persons seek the good.

5. How do our philosophers provide for IMPARTIALITY 1.Hobbes: the covenant covers everyone in society -- no “opt-outs” 2.Mill: consider the consequences for all affected by an action, your interests count for only one in that calculation 3.Kant: acting from reverence for the law – acting from principles, not from inclinations or emotions. “mere means” 4.Aristotle: the role of practical reason.

6. How do our philosophers provide for OBJECTIVITY 1.Hobbes: individual morality is relative to our desires & aversions, thus we need the covenant and the absolute ruler to override that. 2.Mill: consequences are publicly verifiable. 3.Kant: no inclinations and no material considerations. Both formulations of the categorical imperative 4.Aristotle: the form of the good as encountered in the world.

7. How do our philosophers provide for COMPASSION 1.Hobbes: nope! 2.Mill: believes that we have sympathy for others and that our happiness depends on the well-being of others. Kant: not morally valuable. Aristotle: “fine” [able to make small distinctions] emotions part of identifying & resolving moral dilemmas.

8. RAWLS Being in the original position behind a veil of ignorance would lead us to pick rules that are fair to everyone. If we resolve moral dilemmas using those rules the characteristics will be fulfilled. STABILITY -- UNIVERSALITY IMPARTIALITY -- OBJECTIVITY QUESTION: Can you get the RESULTS of Compassion without engaging the emotions?