last day of matters of life and death
Obligation and Family Relief
Thesis of the Paper:
The duty to provide family relief is not enforceable.
Definition of Enforceable:
Two meanings:
Physical coercion to fulfill the moral duty is not possible.
There are no punitive measures for failing to meet this moral obligation.
Moral Duty of Charity:
Discusses the virtue of charity and how it cannot be sufficiently developed if compelled by an enforceable duty.
Emphasizes the importance of individuals having space to cultivate the virtue of charity voluntarily.
Local vs. International Charity:
Argues that supporting local charities is often preferable to international ones because the impact is more direct and understood.
Protectionism and Global Famine
Argument Against Protectionism:
The paper contends that protectionism should be opposed, particularly in the context of global issues like famine, especially exacerbated by situations like COVID.
Protectionism defined as the government provision of subsidies to domestic farmers to protect them from international competition.
Provocative Claims Regarding Global Economics:
Claims that supporting local agriculture through protectionism can hinder economic recovery for poorer countries that produce commodities like coffee or cotton on a global scale.
Example Framework:
Scenario of a poorer country that can produce cotton competitively on the global market.
How U.S. subsidies to cotton farmers allow them to sell at artificially low prices.
Result: Poorer countries unable to sell their products and thus unable to generate income and avoid famine.
Moral Duty to Reform Economic Practices:
As beneficiaries of unjust practices (e.g., cheap oil, affordable shoes), those in developed countries have an obligation to address the resulting injustices, promoting fair competition for developing economies.
Moral Deliberation and Ethical Reflection
General Conclusions on Moral Deliberation:
The course explored numerous examples and scenarios, emphasizing the significance of moral reasoning in understanding what it means to be good or do good.
Noted that moral deliberation is a distinctly human capability, unlike non-human animals.
Importance of considering moral obligations towards all individuals, even those we may never meet.
Need for Morality in Current Global Contexts:
Encouragement to maintain a focus on morality and doing right by others, particularly emphasized in times of global distress.
Exam Preparation and Discussion
Review Sessions Logistics:
Discussions regarding selecting exam questions and clarifications about topics covered in class.
Emphasis on focusing on clear, concise learning materials that are easier to review.
Discussion on Torture
Interrogational vs. Punitive Torture:
Distinction between torturing for information (interrogational) versus punishment (punitive).
Ticking Time Bomb Scenario:
Theoretical situation where a suspect knows the location of a bomb, posing a timely threat to thousands of lives.
Ethical dilemma arises whether torturing for this information can be justified to save lives.
Key considerations in this scenario:
Certainty the suspect has the information.
Certainty about the bomb's detonation timing.
Reliability of information given under torture.
General effectiveness of torture as a method of obtaining true information.
Utilitarian Approach to Torture:
Key elements include:
Consequentialism: Outcomes of actions determine morality.
Maximizing Happiness: Actions that contribute to maximal societal happiness are deemed moral.
Impartiality: All individuals' happiness is equally relevant in moral calculations.
Deontological Ethics Perspective:
Rights cannot be violated under any circumstances (absolute rights).
Two prongs of rights theory:
Rights Forfeiture: Rights may be forfeited upon violating others' rights, justifying torture in select scenarios.
Infringement: Even if rights cannot be forfeited, they can be justifiably infringed due to stronger moral obligations.
Consequentialist Arguments Against Torture:
Establishment of institutional torture could normalize, escalate, and legitimize graffiti practices.
Possible backlash from global communities exacerbating terrorism.
Resource allocation issues where professionals (e.g., doctors) are diverted from ethical functions to establish torturous systems.
Moral Implications and Final Thoughts
Reflection on Class Material:
Key takeaway: The importance of moral reasoning in understanding and navigating moral obligations in a complex world.
Ethical Requirements:
Continual application of moral principles in modern issues needs to accompany a genuine pursuit of effective measures to promote and ensure well-being for all.