Phil 2306 presentations 1

Study Tips and Assignments

• Work Approach:

  • Space out work to avoid last-minute stress.

  • Acknowledge that different individuals have different working styles (e.g., last-minute workers).

• Reading Assignment:

  • Read the utilitarianism chapter from the justice book.

  • New reading will open next week.

• Peter Singer Discussion:

  • A discussion about living philosopher Peter Singer will occur next week.

  • Singer is known for contentious views and has faced "cancel culture" due to these.

  • His controversial stance includes views on disabled babies.

Utilitarianism and Kantian Ethics

• Utilitarianism Overview:

  • Focuses on promoting the greatest good for the greatest number.

  • Can lead to morally commendable outcomes but may also present ethical dilemmas (e.g., sacrificing individual rights).

• Immanuel Kant's Ethics:

  • Will contrast with utilitarianism in later classes.

  • Emphasizes human rights and the dignity of the individual, providing a counterpoint to utilitarian views.

Documentary and Graded Worksheet

• Documentary Details:

  • A mini documentary featuring Peter Singer will be screened.

  • A worksheet will accompany it for grading.

  • Encourage active participation to complete the worksheet accurately during the screening.

  • Beware of auto-generated subtitles which may be inaccurate.

Presentations

• Presentation Structure:

  • The upcoming presentations will focus on libertarianism and ethical egoism.

  • Ayn Rand is noted as a significant figure in ethical egoism, but views diverge among libertarians.

  • Presentations will touch on ethically complex topics, such as arguments about cannibalism.

• First Presentation Etiquette:

  • Be polite and attentive to peers’ presentations; it fosters a supportive learning environment.

  • Class discussions will follow presentations to build on topics presented.

Ethical Egoism

• Key Claims of Ethical Egoism:

  • Happiness as the ultimate good achieved through rational self-interest.

  • Individuals are obligated to pursue their own interests, even in altruistic acts (e.g., helping others).

• Philosophical Background:

  • Glaucon's Story:

    • From Plato’s Republic, illustrates the idea that individuals will act in their self-interest if given the power (e.g., the ring of invisibility).

  • Psychological Egoism vs. Ethical Egoism:

    • Psychological egoism asserts that individuals always act in self-interest; ethical egoism prescribes that they should.

    • Thomas Hobbes' View:

      • Without societal structures, human nature leads to selfishness.

• Ayn Rand's Ethical Egoism:

  • Emphasizes individualism and condemnation of altruism, labeling it immoral.

  • Her views extend into capitalism, arguing that self-interest benefits society as a whole.

• Critiques of Ethical Egoism:

  • Wealth disparity issues challenge Rand’s views on individual self-interest benefiting all.

  • Possible conflicts when multiple individuals’ self-interests oppose each other.

Cultural Relativism

• Definition:

  • Cultural relativism posits that moral standards are defined by cultural context, denying universal moral truths.

  • Example: practices like polygamy are viewed differently across cultures.

• Contrast with Sociological Relativism:

  • Cultural relativism is a philosophical stance, while sociological relativism describes and observes moral practices.

  • Critics argue it may prevent moral critique of harmful practices.

• Ethical Dilemmas of Cultural Relativism:

  • Challenges arise in moral judgments (e.g., practices considered harmful yet culturally accepted).

  • Example: headhunting, justified by cultural beliefs at the time despite harmful consequences.

• Respect for Cultural Diversity vs. Cultural Relativism:

  • Cultural diversity fosters tolerance of practices; cultural relativism allows no critique of harmful practices.

  • Need for balance between respecting cultures and advocating for universal human rights.

Conclusion

• The course aims to equip students with analytical tools to examine their beliefs and confront contradictions in moral reasoning.

• Encourages critical thinking regarding ethical theories and their applicability in contemporary issues.