PHL281H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: John Stuart Mill, Kantian Ethics, Jeremy Bentham
27 Nov 2016
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Document Summary
Influential moral theories- utilitarian, kantian, and virtue ethics. Consequentialist- rightness of actions depend solely on consequences/results. Deontological (or non-consequentialist)- rightness of actions depends on their intrinsic nature, not by consequences produced: stealing is wrong- consequentialist (causes more harm than good), deontologist (the act of stealing itself is inherently wrong, regardless of consequences) Utilitarianism- right actions result in most beneficial balance of good > bad consequences for everyone involved: maximize the good, regardless of moral rules or unbending moral principles. Hedonistic view- maximize happiness or pleasure (the classical hedonistic pursuit) Perfection: act-utilitarianism- rightness of actions depends on whether it produces more good, than any other alternative acts, rule-utilitarianism- right action follows a rule that, if followed consistently, would lead to most favourable balance of good over bad. Can"t value themselves & what is moral: lack of epistemic capacity. Idea is to choose the best consequence- but you can never predict the future: no concern for motive.
