Phil160 2/20

Recap and Introduction

  • Recap of previous discussions on various forms of activism, notably:

    • Non-factism

    • Factivism

    • Cultural activism

  • Each form of activism relates to principles of utility and ethical decision-making.

Utility Principle

  • Fundamental discussion on utility:

    • "You should X if and only if…"

    • Decision-making should be based on the utility an action brings.

  • Emphasis on maximizing good:

    • Decisions should aim to achieve the highest possible utility for the most significant number of people.

Examples of Utility in Context

  • Utility can manifest in various forms:

    • Achievements on an objective list, which may include:

    • Health

    • Wealth

    • Knowledge

    • Friendship

  • Importance of understanding how each of these aspects contributes to one’s overall utility.

Dilemmas in Utilitarianism

  • Clarification of moral dilemmas is crucial, especially regarding the people dilemma:

    • A dilemma involves having two or more options that are each equally appealing and unappealing.

  • Primary example presented:

    • Scenario: Preparing for an exam while a friend needs help in the hospital.

    • Options:

    • Help the friend (potentially fail the exam).

    • Study for the exam (neglecting the friend).

    • Both choices come with their respective consequences, highlighting the complexity of moral decision-making.

Another Example of Moral Dilemma

  • Introduced a high-stakes dilemma involving a terrorist situation:

    • Scenario: Two hostages vs. one stranger; choices involve:

    • Press a button to save the two hostages but kill one innocent person.

    • Refuse to comply, leading to torture and death of the hostages, while sparing the stranger.

    • Discusses the implications of each decision:

    • Pressing the button intentionally causes one person’s death (moral responsibility becomes a focal point).

    • Refusing leads to tortuous deaths of the two hostages.

Applying Utilitarianism to Dilemma Choices

  • The students analyzed options:

    • Those who chose option one justified their decision from a mathematical standpoint:

    • +2 humans saved vs. -1 for killing the stranger, suggesting a net gain.

    • Discussion on torture vs. death:

    • Torture considered as a greater evil than a swift death.

  • Further questioning arose around the nature of the killing:

    • Who is responsible for the killing?

    • Clarified that in pressing the button, moral responsibility might shift, as the terrorist carries out the killing.

Variations and Personal Connections in Dilemmas

  • Modification of the dilemma:

    • What if the person is someone personally connected (like a grandmother)?

    • Students’ responses varied more significantly when personal relationships were involved, showcasing the complexity of human emotions in dilemmas.

    • Discussion of personal stakes can deeply influence moral decision-making:

    • Responses indicate a shift in utilitarian calculations when personal connections are involved.

Additional Scenario: The Scientist Dilemma

  • Introduced a new scenario involving a scientist on the brink of a breakthrough in lung cancer treatment:

    • Choices between:

    • Sacrificing the scientist to save the hostages or vice versa.

  • Students provided rationalizations:

    • Some suggested the importance of the scientist's potential contribution to society justifies his survival over the immediate need to save the hostages.

    • The necessity of challenging the assumptions around whether the scientist alone is critical for the breakthrough.

Conclusion: Decision-Making Framework in Utilitarianism

  • Presented steps for applying utilitarian principles in making moral decisions:

    • Identify all available options, not limited to two choices.

    • Calculate expected utility for each option based on potential outcomes.

    • Weigh the importance of each outcome relative to the utility they provide.

  • Clarification offered that utilitarianism considers not only immediate outcomes but also long-term societal benefits.

  • Emphasis on the importance of reasoned expectations when making ethical decisions in complex circumstances.