Intro to Utilitarianism

Intro to Utilitarianism

So what is it? Ever heard: “The end justifies the means” ?

So what is it? Ever heard: “The end justifies the means” ?
“The greatest good for the greatest number”?

So what is it? Utilitarianism – Ethical theory evaluating human actions or institutions according to their usefulness in increasing overall human happiness. (greatest good for the greatest number) In other words the definition of ‘morally right’ is if the action brings about human happiness (benefit, advantage, pleasure, good) it is moral. If the action brings about negative happiness (sorrow, pain), then it is bad (wrong or immoral).

Utilitarianism is… A form of consequentialism.
Consequentialism refers to those moral theories which hold that the consequences of a particular action form the basis for any valid moral judgment about that action

WWII Was firebombing Tokyo morally acceptable?
Was dropping the Atomic bomb acceptable?

Utilitarianism is… A form of consequentialism.
Consequentialism refers to those moral theories which hold that the consequences of a particular action form the basis for any valid moral judgment about that action

The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments? What is the real purpose of the Ten Commandments, or Decalogue? Make up a religion for the good of all.

Ten Commandments Number 1: Thou Shalt Have No Other Gods Beside Me
Your favorite color will be Blue

Your favorite color will be Blue Number 2: Thou Shalt Not Worship Any Graven Images You will not look at any other colors adoringly

Your favorite color will be Blue Number 2: Thou Shalt Not Worship Any Graven Images You will not look at any other colors adoringly Number 3: Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord Thy God in Vain You will not be angry when you say "Blue"

Your favorite color will be Blue Number 2: Thou Shalt Not Worship Any Graven Images You will not look at any other colors adoringly Number 3: Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord Thy God in Vain You will not be angry when you say "Blue" Number 4: Remember the Sabbath Day to Rest and Keep it Holy Take one day a week to meditate on Blueness and how wonderful life would be if more things were blue.

Ten Commandments Number 5: Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother
It increases happiness if there is respect and harmony within families. Number 6: Thou Shalt Not Kill Murder does not bring happiness Number 7: Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery Being secure in personal relationships brings happiness Number 8: Thou Shalt Not Steal Being secure in property rights brings happiness Number 9: Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness Number 10: Thou Shalt Not Covet Anything That is Thy Neighbor's Being secure, at peace, and satisfied with what you have brings happiness.

Jesus’ commands????

The Second Half of the Ten Commandments…
Jesus summed up….????

Jesus summed up…. “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

Jesus summed up…. “love thy neighbor as thyself.” "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12

Jesus summed up…. “love thy neighbor as thyself.” "Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12 This is useful and common among all religions…

Judaism "…but you shall love your neighbor as yourself…."
-YHWH, Leviticus 19:18

Bahá’í "Blessed is he who preferreth his brother before himself. "
-Bahá’u’lláh, Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, 71

Confucianism "Do not unto others what you would not have them do unto you." -Analects 15:23

Buddhism "Hurt not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful." -Udana-Varga, 5:18

Hinduism "This is the sum of duty: Do naught unto others which would cause you pain if done to you." -Mahabharata 5:1517

Islam "No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself." -Sunnab

Jainism "In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self." -Lord Mahavir 24th Tirthankara

Zoroastrianism "That nature only is good when it shall not do unto another whatever is not good for its own self." -Dadistan-i-Dinik, 94:5

Other Quotes “We should behave to friends as we would wish friends to behave to us.” - Aristotle

Other Quotes “We should behave to friends as we would wish friends to behave to us.” - Aristotle “Do not do to others what would anger you if done to you by others.” - Socrates

Other Quotes “We should behave to friends as we would wish friends to behave to us.” - Aristotle “Do not do to others what would anger you if done to you by others.” - Socrates “Every man takes care that his neighbor does not cheat him. But the day comes when he begins to care that he does not cheat his neighbor. Then all goes well." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Morality boils down to treating everyone as you want to be treated.
What does this mean exactly?

Back to discussion on war…
Basic idea: war is morally acceptable when fought for the general good. Do you disagree?

Question Is Lying Wrong?

Question Is Lying Wrong? What about…

Question Is Lying Wrong? What about… Surprise birthday parties?

Question Is Lying Wrong? What about… Surprise birthday parties?
Undercover cops?

Undercover cops? Lying to enemy in war?

Undercover cops? Lying to enemy in war? Bluffing in poker?

Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) Founder of Utilitarianism
English philosopher and social reformer Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (1789) So inasmuch as an action or law or institution has utility, it is morally right, and inasmuch as it is antithetical to utility it is morally wrong.

Jeremy Bentham At University College London

Jeremy Bentham At University College London
For college 100 & 150 anniversary, wheeled into the college council – listed as “present, but not voting.”

Notes Utility –

Notes Utility – "that property in any object/action, whereby it tends to produce benefit, advantage, pleasure, good, or happiness...or...to prevent the happening of mischief, pain, evil, or unhappiness."

How to measure “happiness”
How does one measure… benefit, advantage, pleasure, good, or happiness?

Felicific calculus

Intensity: How strong is the pleasure?

Intensity: How strong is the pleasure? Duration: How long will the pleasure last?

Intensity: How strong is the pleasure? Duration: How long will the pleasure last? Certainty or uncertainty: How likely or unlikely is it that the pleasure will occur?

Intensity: How strong is the pleasure? Duration: How long will the pleasure last? Certainty or uncertainty: How likely or unlikely is it that the pleasure will occur? Propinquity or remoteness: How soon will the pleasure occur?

Intensity: How strong is the pleasure? Duration: How long will the pleasure last? Certainty or uncertainty: How likely or unlikely is it that the pleasure will occur? Propinquity or remoteness: How soon will the pleasure occur? Fecundity: The probability that the action will be followed by sensations of the same kind.

Intensity: How strong is the pleasure? Duration: How long will the pleasure last? Certainty or uncertainty: How likely or unlikely is it that the pleasure will occur? Propinquity or remoteness: How soon will the pleasure occur? Fecundity: The probability that the action will be followed by sensations of the same kind. Purity: The probability that it will not be followed by sensations of the opposite kind.

Intensity: How strong is the pleasure? Duration: How long will the pleasure last? Certainty or uncertainty: How likely or unlikely is it that the pleasure will occur? Propinquity or remoteness: How soon will the pleasure occur? Fecundity: The probability that the action will be followed by sensations of the same kind. Purity: The probability that it will not be followed by sensations of the opposite kind. Extent: How many people will be affected?

"Act utilitarianism" each act should be evaluated for its estimated/probable utility and decisions made accordingly.

Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation
"[n]ature has placed mankind under the governance of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. It is for them alone to point out what we ought to do, as well as to determine what we shall do. On the one hand the standard of right and wrong, on the other the chain of causes and effects, are fastened to their throne. They govern us in all we do, in all we say, in all we think: every effort we can make to throw off our subjection, will serve but to demonstrate and confirm it."

John Stuart Mill Mill added two distinctions to his flavor of utilitarianism. The first of which is: Quality

Smart Essay

Summary An idiot may be content, even happy, because he has few or simple desires.

Summary An idiot may be content, even happy, because he has few or simple desires. A philosopher may experience pleasure as he discovers universal truths, but he may also be quite discontented because of his many unmet desires.

Summary An idiot may be content, even happy, because he has few or simple desires. A philosopher may experience pleasure as he discovers universal truths, but he may also be quite discontented because of his many unmet desires. So which is better? Is happiness then not simply quantitative, but also qualitative? Specifically Mill said that a dissatisfied Socrates is better and happier than a satisfied fool.

Discussion Questions Questions: Do you believe there is something inherently better about the “higher” pursuits, or is pleasure all the same? Why or why not?

Discussion Questions Questions: Do you believe there is something inherently better about the “higher” pursuits, or is pleasure all the same? How close is video game playing to the electrode lever pusher??

John Stuart Mill Mill added two distinctions to his flavor of utilitarianism. The first of which is: Quality The second: “Rule Utilitarianism”

Problems with “Act Utilitarianism”
Act Utilitarianism – “Perform that act which will produce the most good”

Problems Act Utilitarianism – “Perform that act which will produce the most good” Criticism: No action is generally right or wrong; an action is simply right or wrong in specific instances.

Problems Act Utilitarianism – “Perform that act which will produce the most good” Criticism: No action is generally right or wrong; an action is simply right or wrong in specific instances. “Lying” isn't wrong…its only wrong in certain situations.

Problems Act Utilitarianism – “Perform that act which will produce the most good” Criticism: No action is generally right or wrong; an action is simply right or wrong in specific instances. “Lying” isn't wrong…its only wrong in certain situations. Much of the time, the “consequences” are too unknowable to be able to make reasonable moral decisions.

Solutions! Act Utilitarianism – “Perform that act which will produce the most good” Rule Utilitarianism – “Act according to the rule whose adoption will produce the most good”

Solutions! traffic lights – obeying them
Rule Utilitarianism – “Act according to the rule whose adoption will produce the most good” there are certain rules in life that we should follow because they are good for us. Lying – Taxes – paying them Killing Keeping promises traffic lights – obeying them The thinking that goes along with Rule Utilitarianism is that it is unrealistic to be able to figure out all future effects. Instead we will rely on rules that we know from past history work out the best for everyone.

According to a Utilitarian, for an ethical system to be valid, it must be able to be universally applied. That is that if everyone felt free to make "exceptions" to the rules, happiness definitely would be decreased therefore it is utilitarian to say that it is right for everyone to follow certain rules.

When you modify a rule, you must be able to universalize it to all who are in the same circumstances. Don't lie

When you modify a rule, you must be able to universalize it to all who are in the same circumstances. Don't lie (Lies told to save lives are OK)

When you modify a rule, you must be able to universalize it to all who are in the same circumstances. Don't lie (Lies told to save lives are OK) Don't kill

When you modify a rule, you must be able to universalize it to all who are in the same circumstances. Don't lie (Lies told to save lives are OK) Don't kill (Killing in war is OK)

When you modify a rule, you must be able to universalize it to all who are in the same circumstances. Don't lie (Lies told to save lives are OK) Don't kill (Killing in war is OK) Don’t break promises

When you modify a rule, you must be able to universalize it to all who are in the same circumstances. Don't lie (Lies told to save lives are OK) Don't kill (Killing in war is OK) Don’t break promises (unless under extreme duress to promote some very greater good).

Question Is there any difference between Rule Utilitarianism and true “Christian” ethics?

"the ends justify the means"

"the ends justify the means"
What are ends and what are means? The end is the goal that you are trying to accomplish "ENDS = GOALS" The means are the methods or actions you are taking to accomplish the goal "MEANS = METHODS/ACTIONS"

What are the "ends" of the ethical system?
In Relativism?

In Relativism it is fitting in with your culture

In Relativism it is fitting in with your culture In Egoism?

In Relativism it is fitting in with your culture In Egoism it is self interest

In Relativism it is fitting in with your culture In Egoism it is self interest In Utilitarianism?

In Relativism it is fitting in with your culture In Egoism it is self interest In Utilitarianism it is happiness (utility)

For relativism, murder or other "immoral" acts are allowed if preventing them requires us to be intolerant of other cultures.

For relativism, murder or other "immoral" acts are allowed if preventing them requires us to be intolerant of other cultures. In Egoism, lying and cheating (means) are allowed if they are in your self interest(end).

For relativism, murder or other "immoral" acts are allowed if preventing them requires us to be intolerant of other cultures. In Egoism, lying and cheating (means) are allowed if they are in your self interest(end). In Utilitarianism, killing someone (perhaps to stop an attack, or in war) (means) is allowed if the principle of greater happiness (end) is served.

Bible Smuggling Is it right to lie to a border agent to smuggle Bibles into countries where Bibles are not allowed? What is your end in this case? Write on separate piece of paper for a grade.

Christian Utilitarianism?
What about Bible Smuggling? Christians who take the utilitarianism view of ethics say that lying (to border agents) is OK if you are doing it to provide Bibles to believers in another country. What is the end in this case? Write for a grade

Thinking of PEST? What are your moral ends?
Are all means allowed to meet your ends? If not – you have not completely stated your ends. If you have more than one end, what happens if they conflict?

Williams Critique of Utilitarianism
Vocabulary consequentialism = utilitarianism projects = plans, ideas, beliefs

Does Jim’s refusal to shoot one Indian MAKE Pedro kill twenty? Those who say, “you leave me with no alternative…” are lying! They are responsible moral agents.

No country for old men https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qz_J4IaQMc8
2:32-end

Can happiness be pursued directly?

Can happiness be pursued directly? What brings happiness?

Can happiness be pursued directly? What brings happiness? Commitment to something!

What happens when commitments come into conflict with other people’s “projects”? Should we abandon them? Do our commitments give our lives meaning and define us?

What happens when commitments come into conflict with other people’s “projects”? Should we abandon them? Do our commitments give our lives meaning and define us? YES!

*Williams Critique of Utilitarianism

Happiness comes from COMMITMENT, not utility. (integrity is staying committed)

Happiness comes from COMMITMENT, not utility. (integrity is staying committed) If a man is to have anything called integrity, he must stand for something other than pursuing happiness calculus.

Happiness comes from COMMITMENT, not utility. (integrity is staying committed) If a man is to have anything called integrity, he must stand for something other than pursuing happiness calculus. Happiness comes from integrity, but utilitarianism does completely away with integrity

Happiness comes from COMMITMENT, not utility. (integrity is staying committed) If a man is to have anything called integrity, he must stand for something other than pursuing happiness calculus. Happiness comes from integrity, but utilitarianism does completely away with integrity Therefore, being utilitarian ends up undoing that which it is seeking to do (doing away with happiness)!

Examples include the Hebrew midwives who lied to save Israelite babies, and were specifically blessed by God for doing so (Ex 1:15-21); Rahab helping the spies in order to save her family (Jos 2, esp. v 12-13, 6:22-23); Ehud’s assassination of Eglon in the Book of Judges (Jdg 3:12-23); David and his companions eating the consecrated showbread (1 Sm 21:1-6); and Jesus healing the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath (Mk 3:1-6).

Peter Singer

Arguments for legality of abortion?
Arguments against legality of abortion?

Peter Singer & Abortion
Argument Against Abortion: It is wrong to kill an innocent human being. A human fetus is an innocent human being. Therefore it is wrong to kill a human fetus.

Argument Against Abortion: It is wrong to kill an innocent human being. A human fetus is an innocent human being. Therefore it is wrong to kill a human fetus. Defenders of abortion attack the second premise, suggesting that the fetus becomes a "human" or "alive" at some point after conception. Singer disagrees

Argument Against Abortion: It is wrong to kill an innocent human being. A human fetus is an innocent human being. Therefore it is wrong to kill a human fetus. On The argument that a fetus is not alive: “Instead of accepting such fictions, we should recognize that the fact that a being that is human, and alive, does not in itself tell us whether it is wrong to take that being's life.”

Argument Against Abortion: It is wrong to kill an innocent human being. A human fetus is an innocent human being. Therefore it is wrong to kill a human fetus. On The argument that a fetus is not alive: “Instead of accepting such fictions, we should recognize that the fact that a being is human, and alive, does not in itself tell us whether it is wrong to take that being's life.” Arguments for or against abortion should be based on utilitarian calculation which compares the preferences of a woman against the preferences of the fetus.

Arguments for or against abortion should be based on utilitarian calculation which compares the preferences of a woman against the preferences of the fetus. Newborns lack the essential characteristics of personhood—"rationality, autonomy, and self-consciousness“ therefore "killing a newborn baby is never equivalent to killing a person, that is, a being who wants to go on living."

Argument Against Abortion: It is wrong to kill an innocent human being. A human fetus is an innocent human being. Therefore it is wrong to kill a human fetus. Alzheimer patients?

1. Intensity, - grieving a death vs stubbing a toe

1. Intensity, - grieving a death vs stubbing a toe 2. Duration, - giving a person a meal vs a job

1. Intensity, - grieving a death vs stubbing a toe 2. Duration, - giving a person a meal vs a job 3. Certainty, - giving me an original FDR for President poster vs a pair of socks

1. Intensity, - grieving a death vs stubbing a toe 2. Duration, - giving a person a meal vs a job 3. Certainty, - giving me an original FDR for President poster vs a pair of socks 4. Propinquity, (nearness in time and space) – go on a diet or liposuction

1. Intensity, - grieving a death vs stubbing a toe 2. Duration, - giving a person a meal vs a job 3. Certainty, - giving me an original FDR for President poster vs a pair of socks 4. Propinquity, (nearness in time and space) – go on a diet or liposuction 5. Fecundity (the chance that a pleasure is followed by other ones, a pain by further pains) – writing poetry vs video game playing

1. Intensity, - grieving a death vs stubbing a toe 2. Duration, - giving a person a meal vs a job 3. Certainty, - giving me an original FDR for President poster vs a pair of socks 4. Propinquity, (nearness in time and space) – go on a diet or liposuction 5. Fecundity (the chance that a pleasure is followed by other ones, a pain by further pains) – writing poetry vs video game playing 6. Purity (the chance that pleasure is not followed by pains and vice versa) – Going for a stroll vs getting drunk

1. Intensity, - grieving a death vs stubbing a toe 2. Duration, - giving a person a meal vs a job 3. Certainty, - giving me an original FDR for President poster vs a pair of socks 4. Propinquity, (nearness in time and space) – go on a diet or liposuction 5. Fecundity (the chance that a pleasure is followed by other ones, a pain by further pains) – writing poetry vs video game playing 6. Purity (the chance that pleasure is not followed by pains and vice versa) – Going for a stroll vs getting drunk 7. Extent (the number of persons affected). – Taking some aspirin vs finding the cure for cancer

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