Consequentialism
Table of Contents
1. Against Intuitionism
Against Intuitionism- the idea that we have a natural instinct or faculty for morality and so intuitively and objectively know what acts or rules for conduct are morally right or wrong.
similiar to math intuitions we have moral intuitions
But we can still be wrong about them!
We need to Independently establish the foudation of morality between the true and false intuitions
He comes up with Utilitarianism
2. What Utilitarianism Is
“Greatest Happiness Principle” - actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness(to everyone); wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness.
2.1. Some terms
happiness - pleasure and the absence of pain.
consequentialist - focuses on consequences of acts, rather than on the nature of the act itself.
monistic - standard of value.
3. Major Objections
3.1. Major Objection 1
Higher Pleasures, Virtue
Not all forms of pleasure are equally valuable.
CEX Utilitarianism implies that playing a simple game might be a better pursuit than poetry, art, or literature, seems incorrect.
RESPONE(MILL): Utilitarianism does recognize the superior value of some noble pleasures and virtues over other base ones.
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First, higher value of pleasure, as well as its quantity matter.
(RESP) Test: ask someone who has had both
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Regardless, there are pleasures whose quality is so much higher as to be a difference in kind Qualititative
None would choose to be a lower animal even if one’s animal nature could be completely satisfied.
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People prefer the lower pleasures like the cheeseburger to poetry.
Resp: thats because they havent had better options or the opportunity to cultivate themselves.
3.2. Major Objection 2
(Too Strenuous) Utilitarian standard is too strenuous; we cannot constantly be under a moral duty to do whatever act maximizes happiness
resp: rarely will one be presented with a choice where the general happiness is a issue
Act Utilitarianism : you have a duty to perform the act that maximizes happiness for everyone.
Rule Utilitarianism : you have a duty to perform the act required by the set of rules that maximizes happiness for everyone.
3.3. Major Objection 3
Licenses exceptions to moral laws like avoiding murder
cex telling a lie seems as though it often might lead to more happiness telling the truth in many situations, particularly for oneself.
- Response: important moral rules have a “transcendent expediency” whose violation for some present advantage is not ultimately expedant.
- Response: objection fails to recognize that all moral laws have
exceptions in rare situations; utilitarianism can show us how to limit those exceptions.
3.4. Major Objection 4
Insufficient knowledge we cannot possible calculate all effects of ones action in the time to decide.
Response - move from act to rule utilitarianism
- you can just follow set of rules to maximize happiness over time
- we can judge the rules