Transcript Lect7-Utilitarianism..

Utilitarianism
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
1
Outline
Introduction: History and Basics
Utility
Impartiality
Consequentialism
Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
2
Introduction – Utilitarianism
History
Historical context: downfall of Christendom and of
absolute kingdoms – rise of democracy
A theory of morality for the modern society:
Non-religious, non-metaphysical, practical
 Aim: a clear method for our individual, political and
social choices in our modern democracies
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
3
Introduction – Utilitarianism
History
Founding Fathers: Social Reformers
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) – poor, lunatics, prisoners
John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) – women, slaves, working
class
 Progressive School
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
4
Introduction – Utilitarianism
Two Basic Insights
Aim of morality:
The aim of morality is to make the world a better place by
increasing the amount of overall happiness in the
world.
How to judge the moral value of our behavior?
The only objective way to judge one’s behavior is by
looking at the actual results of one’s actual acts.
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
5
Introduction – Utilitarianism
Examples of the Utilitarian Calculation
The utilitarian calculation: Is action A the right thing to do?
- Consider all parties involved
- Look whether or not action A increases the overall happiness
Non-Human Animals
- Research for Cancer
- Cosmetics
- Industrial Farming
 A simple, practical rule for judging the moral value
of our actions.
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
6
Introduction – Utilitarianism
Definition
Utilitarianism: Application of the Principle of Utility
Utilitarianism:
What is right to do is to do whatever has for consequence
to maximize the happiness for everyone concerned
1/ Utility
2/ Impartiality
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
3/ Consequentialism
7
Outline
Introduction: History and Basics
Utility
Impartiality
Consequentialism
Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
8
Utility
Happiness = Pleasure
Bentham, Mill:
Happiness measured by amount of pleasure/pain
 What is right is to do whatever has for consequence to
maximize the amount of pleasure for everyone
concerned
 Problem: a “doctrine only worthy of swine”?
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
9
Utility
Mill on Humans and Pleasure
Mill’s claim: Strongest pleasures connected most refined
activities.
Mill’s argument: Trade Thought Experiment
- The highest amount of pleasure comes with the most
refined activities
- Example: cd / dvd vs playing yourself
Conditions for the experiment:
- Need to know both sides
- Need to educate and foster our taste for refined activities
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
10
Utility: Mill
“It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a
pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied
than a a fool satisfied. And if the fool, or the pig,
are of a different opinion, it is because they only
know their own side of the question”
“Capacity for the nobler feelings is in most natures a
very tender plant, easily killed, not only by hostile
influences, but by mere want of sustenance.”
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
11
Utility
Conclusion
Utility = Happiness = Pleasure
Objection: doctrine only worthy of a swine
Answer: Humans take highest pleasure in most
refined activities
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
12
Outline
Introduction: History and Basics
Utility
Impartiality
Consequentialism
Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
13
Impartiality
Everybody counts and counts equally
Mill’s claim: The moral point of view: “as strictly impartial
as a disinterested and benevolent spectator”
Mill’s argument: No one’s happiness is, by itself, more
valuable, then others’
Example: Policy making
No particular group should be given special consideration
Examples: race, gender, nationality etc.
 Utilitarianism grasps an important part of
morality: an impartial point of view
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
14
Impartiality
Counter-Intuitive Consequences
All humans:
Yourself, your family and your friends do not count more
than others
Ex: building on fire, single mother in NYC, an afternoon
with a book
The “whole sentient creation”:
Non humans animals count as well
Bentham: “The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can
they talk? but, Can they suffer?”
Is utilitarianism too demanding?
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
15
Impartiality
The Utilitarian’s Answers
Bite the bullet: our intuitions are mistaken
The moral point of view is the point of view of impartiality
Different factors enter into account in our decision making
The moral point of view is but one factor: other
considerations are important.
Humans’ power is limited:
Better efficiency when acting at a smaller scale?
 Ideal morality is demanding, but we do not
always act only according to morality
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
16
Impartiality
Conclusion
Impartiality = everybody’s interest counts, and counts
equally
Objection: Special treatment for ourselves, relatives
and friends
Answer: Morality is demanding but is only one of the
factors entering in consideration when making
life choices
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
17
Outline
Introduction: History and Basics
Utility
Impartiality
Consequentialism
Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
18
Consequentialism
Show me Results
Assessment of an action: consequences and not motives
If beneficial consequences, then action is good
If detrimental consequences , then action is bad
Whatever the intentions!
Advantage: Easy, uncontroversial assessment
Example: Policy Making
We are looking at our policy makers’ accomplishments, not
intentions!
 Utilitarianism provide a straightforward method for
assessing our actions. What are the problems?
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
19
Consequentialism
The Problem of Personal Integrity
Two examples:
George the chemist / Jim in the jungle
Williams’ claim:
Utilitarianism deprives people of their integrity
Williams’ argument:
Utilitarianism separates people’s actions from the projects
they are committed to.
 Utilitarianism seems to impose some form
of alienation on individuals
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
20
Consequentialism
Answers to the Problem of Personal
Bad calculation:
Integrity
- The world is a better place with people happy with
themselves
- Better efficiency comes with commitment to projects
Bite the bullet: If some of our favored projects go against
morality, so much for our projects – Morality IS
demanding
Different factors enter into account in our decision making
The moral point of view is but one factor: other
considerations are important.
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
21
Consequentialism
The Problem of Rights
Consequentialism  No absolute rules
Rules: good only in so far as they promote the general welfare
Conflict with rights:
Riots, Angela York, Peeping Tom
 Utilitarianism seems to threaten fundamental rights
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
22
Consequentialism
Answer to the Problem of Rights
Bad Calculations :
Riot, Angela York
Peeping Tom?
Bite the bullet:
If common sense contradicts true morality, so much for
common sense
Ex: in the German woods
 Utilitarianism tells us that there is no absolute moral
rules
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
23
Outline
Introduction: History and Basics
Utility
Impartiality
Consequentialism
Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
24
Conclusion
What to take from utilitarianism?
Definition: Utilitarianism is the view that is right to do is
to do whatever has for consequence to maximize the
happiness for everyone concerned
Three components:
1. Utility: How to measure happiness? Pleasure and
pain
2. Impartiality: Everybody counts, and counts equally
3. Consequentialism: Only consequences count, not
motives or rights
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
25
Conclusion
What to take from utilitarianism?
Objections:
1. A doctrine worthy of a swine
2. Impartiality vs Close Relationships
3. Integrity
4. Rights
Answer to objections:
- Refined Pleasures
- Bad calculations
- Bite the bullet: Morality IS demanding
- But morality is not all there is to decision making
- There is no absolute rules
Soazig Le Bihan - University of
Montana
26