Arguments based on consequences We have a serious problem. There are these options: A, B, C. The consequences of doing A are bad. The consequences of doing B are bad. The consequences of doing C are good. Therefore, we should do C.

Act Utilitarianism One ought to do the action which will create more social utility than any alternative possible action. Social utility: overall balance of negative and positive utility, over long term, for all concerned. Decision procedure: –List all concerned –Consider all alternatives –Calculate the overall utility of each alternative for all concerned

Utilitarians differ about: What counts as utility –happiness –pleasure –well-being –preferences –mixed bag of goods Who should be counted –all humans –some humans –all sentient creatures –all creatures

Some problems Measurement –How do we measure utility? –Average or total? –How can we predict consequences? Problems of implementation –What do we do when we’re in a hurry? –What do we teach our children? Fairness –What if the optimal action results in inequality or unfairness?

Rule Utilitarianism Do the action which is in accord with the rule which would, if generally followed, create more social utility than any alternative rule. Decision procedure: –List possible rules. –Consider the consequences of adoption of each rule. –Select the rule with the most utility. – Apply the rule.

Rules Rules must be general enough to cover similar cases and Specific enough to give us some guidance about what to do. Precise enough to rule out obvious counter-examples –E.g. “It’s wrong to kill.” is too broad. What about self-defense? –“It’s wrong to kill an innocent person.”

RU and choosing rules The RU looks at all the rules for a particular issue and asks which rule, if generally followed, would result in the best consequences.