ethical theories

act utilitarianism

an action is right if it prices the greater amount of happiness for the greater amount of people

psychological egoism

idea that people always act to help themselves or get what they want, even if it looks like they are helping others

rule utilitarianism

an action is right if it follows a rule that leads to the greater good for the majority

act utilitarianism- counter arguments

can justify bad actions : hurting one person = benefit of others

too hard to predict outcomes : can’t always know = happy

takes to much time : have to calculate happiness

rule utilitarianism - counter argument

following rules can cause harm : truth hurts

rules conflict : don’t lie vs protect others

rules can be misused : claim bring happiness instead bring harm to others

humanity formulation

never treat people merely as a means to an end, but always as an end in themselves

meaning : respect others, don’t use for own gain

humanity formulation - how to apply

bad = using friend for grade

good = study together / help each other

humanity formulation - counter arguments

no exceptions : can’t lie to save a life

doesn’t care about outcomes : truth might hurt someone

not clear : not clear / job ? hiring someone to use