PHI 221 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: John Stuart Mill, Immanuel Kant, Egotism
17 Nov 2017
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Document Summary
A theory is a conceptual framework to clarify some complex part of reality, life. A general overview of a complex reality, an outline, a road map. Ethical theory: a conceptual framework to clarify human understanding of the process and results of ethical judgments. Clarify uncertainty about important choices in life. = only outcomes, results of a choice determine the moral value of the choice or action. = right and wrong are determined by more than the results of a choice or action. The better moral choice has a greater net sum of good results over bad results when everyone affected is considered. Good = happiness, pleasure, desire satisfaction; bad = the opposite. The utilitarian standard should be applied to sets of moral rules, not individual choices or actions. The optimal moral code will lead to more overall happiness for everyone affected over time more than any other set of moral rules.
