MORALITY AND ETHICS

(cont.)

Debate dates

Oct. 19th

“Smoking should be banned in public places” Nov. 9th

“Great Apes should be granted human rights”

Nov. 16th “It is wrong to eat meat”

Videos should be like a short documentary on a topic related to the course

10-15 minutes for 2 people group 15-20 minutes for 3 people group 20-25 minutes for 4 people group

Some video clips from other sources may be used, but the source must be clearly indicated. No more than 30% from other sources

You should give me your proposed topics next week

Comparison of ethical systems

Main idea

Virtue ethics: We should cultivate the virtues and act in accordance with them. Virtues include wisdom, generosity, kindness, justice, pride, courage, honesty

Deontological ethics: follow strict moral laws, e.g. do not murder, do not lie, do not steal

Utilitarian ethics: Act to maximize total happiness (and lack of suffering) among all people

Simplification of main idea (for discussion):

Virtue ethics: be good

Kantian ethics: do what’s right

Utilitarianian ethics: do what will have good consequences

Justification:

Virtue ethics: Man’s natural function (telos) as a rational animal

Kantian ethics: universalizability of moral laws

Utilitarianism: Pleasure is good, pain is bad

Principles:

Virtue ethics: be a good (well-balanced/rational) person

Kantian ethics: Always treat a person as an end, not just an means

Utilitarianism: Promote the greatest good for the greatest number

Ultimate goal:

Virtue ethics: eudemonia (the good life)

Kantian ethics: uphold the worth and dignity of every person

Utilitarian ethics: maximize happiness

Main practical problems:

Virtue ethics: vague

Kantian ethics: rigid

Utilitarianism: may justify seemingly wrong actions

Thought experiments

Philosophers love thought experiments!

Test consistency of beliefs.

e.g. Kid breaks a vase

Should he lie to his Mom? What’s the harm?

Ethical thought experiments

A way to compare different ethical systems.

Which ethical system is consistent with our pre-theoretical beliefs?

A terrorist has secretly planted a bomb on Mr. G, and Mr. G. is now (innocently) walking into a crowded theatre. The bomb will be detonated in 5 minutes, killing hundreds. You are too far away to stop Mr. G, but you can shoot him down, killing him and saving hundreds. Should you?

Trolley case

A runaway train is about to hit 5 people on Track A. Should you throw a switch to make the train go down Track B, where one person is standing (and will be hit).

A runaway train is about to hit 5 people standing on the track. Should you push a fat man in front of the train?

Transplant case

Kill one innocent bystander and transplant his organs to five patients to save their lives

Suggested readingsStanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, at: http://plato.stanford.edu/

Entries on: Consequentialism and Deontological Ethics and Virtue Ethics

Mill, John Stuart, Utilitarianism (1863), available at: www.utilitarianism.com/mill1.htm

Required readings

Traditional Ethical Theories (excerpt from Online Guide to Ethics and Moral Philosophy at: caae.phil.cmu.edu/Cavalier/80130/part2/sect9.html), available on Moodle

Stephen Law, The Philosophy Gym, Chapter 17, “Killing Mary to Save Jodie”. available on Moodle

Quiz next week

You will be asked about a moral dilemma and expected to discuss it in relation to one or more moral ethical systems.