Transcript moraltheory
SUMMARY: • Characteristics that a moral theory needs to “work” – Needs to help resolve moral issues in manner acceptable to society at large. • The functions of a moral theory – – – – To keep society from falling apart To diminish human suffering To promote human flourishing To resolve conflicts of interest in just & orderly ways – To assign praise & blame: responsibility CHARACTERISTICS of Moral Theories Moral Theories should provide for 1. STABILITY: constant, consistent – decisions not made on whim or caprice. 2. UNIVERSALITY: Principles or practices applied fairly/equally [same playing field ] – not different rules for different people in the same situation. 3. IMPARTIALITY: avoid inclinations/each person counts for one – showing favoritism for a friend or yourself. 4. OBJECTIVITY: Make decisions on a verifiable basis, apart from inclinations/emotions – decisions made on non-verifiable basis, or according to personal preference. 5. [Compassion?] How do our philosophers provide for STABILITY 1. Hobbes: contract irrevocable/absolute ruler. 2. Mill: decide on the basic of publicly verifiable consequences – may lack stability because nothing is absolutely wrong 3. Kant: based in human reason, with all inclination and personal preference removed. 4. Aristotle: moral actions flow from people of good moral character. How do our philosophers provide for UNIVERSALITY 1. Hobbes: all men agree to the covenant made. 2. Mill: be sure to consider the consequences for all those affected by an action 3. Kant: the moral law consists of universalizable principles. [1st Cat. Imp.] 4. Aristotle: assumes all persons seek the good. How do our philosophers provide for IMPARTIALITY 1. Hobbes: the covenant covers everyone in society -- no “opt-outs” 2. Mill: consider the consequences for all affected by an action, your interests count for only one in that calculation 3. Kant: acting from reverence for the law – acting from principles, not from inclinations or emotions. “mere means” 4. Aristotle: the role of practical reason. How do our philosophers provide for OBJECTIVITY 1. Hobbes: individual morality is relative to our desires & aversions, thus we need the covenant and the absolute ruler to override that. 2. Mill: consequences are publicly verifiable. 3. Kant: no inclinations and no material considerations. Both formulations of the categorical imperative 4. Aristotle: the form of the good as encountered in the world. How do our philosophers provide for COMPASSION 1. Hobbes: nope! 2. Mill: believes that we have sympathy for others and that our happiness depends on the well-being of others. • Kant: not morally valuable. • Aristotle: “fine” [able to make small distinctions] emotions part of identifying & resolving moral dilemmas. RAWLS Being in the original position behind a veil of ignorance would lead us to pick rules that are fair to everyone. If we resolve moral dilemmas using those rules the characteristics will be fulfilled. STABILITY -- UNIVERSALITY IMPARTIALITY -- OBJECTIVITY QUESTION: Can you get the RESULTS of Compassion without engaging the emotions?