1. 1. STABILITY: constant, consistent
CHARACTERISTICS of Moral Theories
1. STABILITY: constant, consistent
decisions not made on whim or caprice.
2. UNIVERSALITY: Principles or practices applied fairly/equally [same playing field ]
not different rules for different people in the same situation.
3. IMPARTIALITY: avoid inclinations/each person counts for one
showing favoritism for a friend or yourself.
4. OBJECTIVITY: Make decisions on a verifiable basis, apart from inclinations/emotions
decisions made on non-verifiable basis, or according to personal preference.
5. [Compassion?]

2. How do our philosophers provide for STABILITY
Hobbes: the contract is irrevocable/absolute ruler.
Utilitarianism: decide on the basic of publicly verifiable consequences – may lack stability because nothing is absolutely wrong

3. How do our philosophers provide for UNIVERSALITY
Hobbes: all men agree to the covenant made.
Utilitarianism: be sure to consider the consequences for all those affected by an action

4. How do our philosophers provide for IMPARTIALITY
Hobbes: the covenant applies to everyone in society -- no “opt-outs”
Utilitarianism: consider the consequences for all affected by an action, your interests count for only one in that calculation

5. How do our philosophers provide for OBJECTIVITY
Hobbes: individual morality is relative to our desires & aversions, thus we need the covenant and the absolute ruler to override that.
Bentham: consequences are publicly verifiable.

6. How do our philosophers provide for COMPASSION
Hobbes: nope!
Utilitarianism:
Bentham believed that the nature of the human person can be adequately described without mention of social relationships.
Mill believed that we have sympathy for others and that our happiness depends on the well-being of others.
What does Nielsen believe?