Philosophical Theories and Ethical Dilemmas

These flashcards cover key philosophical theories, ethical dilemmas, and critiques discussed in the lecture.

Locke's Argument for Property Rights

People own themselves and their labor; when they mix labor with resources, those resources become their property, limited by no spoilage and leaving enough for others.

Global Capitalism and Property Rights

Current conditions of global capitalism lead to monopolization of resources, violating Locke's 'enough and as good' principle and allowing for unlimited accumulation despite spoilage.

Libertarian Argument for Minimal State

Libertarians, like Nozick, believe the state should only prevent force, theft, and fraud, asserting that any further action violates individual rights.

Critique of Libertarian Minimal State

Proponents say it maximizes freedom, while critics argue it ignores inequalities and the need for education, healthcare, and safety nets.

Nozick on Surrogacy

Surrogacy is a voluntary contract between consenting adults; banning it restricts liberty, which Nozick likely opposes.

Critique of Surrogacy

Critics argue that surrogacy commodifies women’s bodies and risks exploitation, differing from accepted practices.

Nozick's Grounds Against Taxation

Taxation for purposes beyond minimal state functions is seen as forced labor; redistribution is unjust and only voluntary charity is acceptable.

Defense of Commercial Surrogacy

Some argue that surrogacy is ethically similar to adoption and sperm donation as it separates genetic, gestational, and social parenting.

Critique of Commercial Surrogacy

Critics say surrogacy involves commodification of children and reproduction, unlike adoption or daycare.

Veil of Ignorance

Rawls' concept where rules of justice are chosen without knowing one’s class, race, gender, wealth, or talents, promoting fairness.

Rawls’ Two Principles of Justice

Equal basic liberties and the difference principle, allowing inequalities only if they benefit the least well-off.

Legitimacy of the State and Social Contract

Legitimacy stems from consent to a sovereign for protection (Hobbes), government protecting rights (Locke), participation (Rousseau), and principles from the veil of ignorance (Rawls).

Libertarian View on Inequality

Libertarians argue inequalities from free choices are just, exemplified by Nozick's Wilt Chamberlain argument.

Critique of Libertarian Inequality

This view ignores background inequalities and that justice involves fair starting conditions, not just voluntary transactions.

Mill's Harm Principle

Individuals may act freely unless their actions harm others, supporting near-universal free speech but allowing limits on incitement to immediate harm.

Hardin's Lifeboat Ethics

Argues against aid to famine victims due to limited capacity and population growth concerns.

Flaw in Hardin’s Argument

Oversimplifies global inequality and ignores structural injustices, innovation, and cooperative solutions.

Tragedy of the Commons

Situation where shared resources are depleted due to self-interested exploitation; can be avoided through privatization, regulation, or community management.

Utilitarian Perspective on Killing for Organs

Utilitarians would argue yes, as it maximizes overall happiness by saving five lives.

Kantian Perspective on Killing for Organs

Kantians would argue no, as it violates the dignity of the healthy patient by treating them as a mere means.

My View on Killing for Organs

Opposed to killing a healthy patient due to trust issues in medicine, violating rights, and setting dangerous precedents.