Philosophy Radio! drlabasham777's Podcast
Society & Culture:Philosophy
Hi Ethicists!
Let's take a look at the logic of Utilitarianism; the dominant theory of Ethics in The Common Wealth and much of Western Europe. Also known as basic Consequentialism. The same.
"Utilitarianism" just means "usefulness-ism". Utility, like utility bills. Electricity, water, gas...so, consequences. That's what defines ethics: Moral and Immoral.
The Utilitarian revolution in England--for the better--changed the laws for ever there--for the better--and sent the English Navy out upon the Atlantic to stop the Slave Trade. Thousands of Salves were freed by the British, the first country to Ban slavery and fight for the slaves. The US soon followed their lead. Wise. Right. But even if a theory gives us fantastic progress, is it correct? Or is there a better, more complete path? One that includes all that progress but excludes the excesses, the insanities at the edges, and in the core, of Utilitarianism? We don't know until we go.
Average overall benefit Utilitarianism--"Consequentialism" (consequence theory)--is the version of this theory as it lives, breathes and breeds among us. It is ancient, as we saw from our look at the Jewish Law of Rape in the City.
Utilitarianism,
"X (act, attitude, belief) is moral if and only if x produces the best overall consequences."
where "best consequences" are most often understood as "the satisfaction of reflective preferences". Where "reflective preference" is just what you want, after thinking hard about it.
How many of you are legally identified as Organ Donors? No lie, this might bake you into a Utilitarian pie. If Utilitarianism is true, it ought to.
Q: Should you not receive full treatment as an Organ donor if your death increases the greater good (say, via organ "harvesting")?
Q: Organ donors are asked to freely consent. Why should consent be required by Utilitarianism?
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