COMM 2273 Lecture Notes - Lecture 63: Robert Nozick, Consequentialism, Deontological Ethics

• School: University of Arkansas-Monticello
• Department: Communication
• Course: COMM 2273
• Professor: Key

Document Summary

Answers to- we can"t predict consequences: this assumes we should hold prediction to the standard of absolute scientific certainty, which is absurd. We make decisions everyday based off assumptions to make good decisions. This standard would paralyze action in the face of uncertainty, which is all the time: turn, consequences are more certain than unverifiable moral intentions. At least with effects we can generate conclusions with empirical research. There"s no reason people pursue happiness selfishly; people could pursue happiness altruistically. Answers to- there is a difference between the right and the good, but you only defend what is good: this begs the question. Consequentialism says what is right is derived from what is good: this is just an appeal to intuition because we feel some actions aren"t right, but i"ve proved why rightness is derived from goodness. Answers to- utilitarianism disrespects the separateness of persons: anarchy, state, and utopia. p. 29-30.