1. 1Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

2. 2Outline Introduction: History and Basics Utility Impartiality Consequentialism Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

3. 3 Introduction – Utilitarianism History Historical context: downfall of Christendom and of absolute kingdoms – rise of democracy A theory of morality for the modern society: Non-religious, non-metaphysical, practical  Aim: a clear method for our individual, political and social choices in our modern democracies Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

4. 4 Introduction – Utilitarianism History Founding Fathers: Social Reformers -Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) – poor, lunatics, prisoners -John Stuart Mill (1806-1873) – women, slaves, working class  Progressive School Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

5. 5 Introduction – Utilitarianism Two Basic Insights Aim of morality: The aim of morality is to make the world a better place by increasing the amount of overall happiness in the world. How to judge the moral value of our behavior? The only objective way to judge one’s behavior is by looking at the actual results of one’s actual acts. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

6. 6 Introduction – Utilitarianism Examples of the Utilitarian Calculation The utilitarian calculation: Is action A the right thing to do? - Consider all parties involved - Look whether or not action A increases the overall happiness  A simple, practical rule for judging the moral value of our actions. Non-Human Animals - Research for Cancer - Cosmetics - Industrial Farming Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

7. 7 Introduction – Utilitarianism Definition Utilitarianism: Application of the Principle of Utility 1/ Utility2/ Impartiality 3/ Consequentialism Utilitarianism: What is right to do is to do whatever has for consequence to maximize the happiness for everyone concerned Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

8. 8Outline Introduction: History and Basics Utility Impartiality Consequentialism Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

9. 9Utility Happiness = Pleasure Bentham, Mill: Happiness measured by amount of pleasure/pain  What is right is to do whatever has for consequence to maximize the amount of pleasure for everyone concerned  Problem: a “doctrine only worthy of swine”? Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

10. 10Utility Mill on Humans and Pleasure Mill’s claim: Strongest pleasures connected most refined activities. Mill’s argument: Trade Thought Experiment - The highest amount of pleasure comes with the most refined activities - Example: cd / dvd vs playing yourself Conditions for the experiment: - Need to know both sides - Need to educate and foster our taste for refined activities Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

11. 11 Utility: Mill “It is better to be a human being dissatisfied than a pig satisfied; better to be Socrates dissatisfied than a a fool satisfied. And if the fool, or the pig, are of a different opinion, it is because they only know their own side of the question” “Capacity for the nobler feelings is in most natures a very tender plant, easily killed, not only by hostile influences, but by mere want of sustenance.” Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

12. 12UtilityConclusion Utility = Happiness = Pleasure Objection: doctrine only worthy of a swine Answer: Humans take highest pleasure in most refined activities Utility = Happiness = Pleasure Objection: doctrine only worthy of a swine Answer: Humans take highest pleasure in most refined activities Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

13. 13Outline Introduction: History and Basics Utility Impartiality Consequentialism Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

14. 14Impartiality Everybody counts and counts equally Mill’s claim: The moral point of view: “as strictly impartial as a disinterested and benevolent spectator” Mill’s argument: No one’s happiness is, by itself, more valuable, then others’  Utilitarianism grasps an important part of morality: an impartial point of view Example: Policy making No particular group should be given special consideration Examples: race, gender, nationality etc. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

15. 15Impartiality Counter-Intuitive Consequences All humans: Yourself, your family and your friends do not count more than others Ex: building on fire, single mother in NYC, an afternoon with a book The “whole sentient creation”: Non humans animals count as well Bentham: “The question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?”  Is utilitarianism too demanding? Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

16. 16Impartiality The Utilitarian’s Answers Bite the bullet: our intuitions are mistaken The moral point of view is the point of view of impartiality  Ideal morality is demanding, but we do not always act only according to morality Different factors enter into account in our decision making The moral point of view is but one factor: other considerations are important. Humans’ power is limited: Better efficiency when acting at a smaller scale? Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

17. 17ImpartialityConclusion Impartiality = everybody’s interest counts, and counts equally Objection: Special treatment for ourselves, relatives and friends Answer: Morality is demanding but is only one of the factors entering in consideration when making life choices Impartiality = everybody’s interest counts, and counts equally Objection: Special treatment for ourselves, relatives and friends Answer: Morality is demanding but is only one of the factors entering in consideration when making life choices Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

18. 18Outline Introduction: History and Basics Utility Impartiality Consequentialism Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

19. 19Consequentialism Show me Results Assessment of an action: consequences and not motives -If beneficial consequences, then action is good -If detrimental consequences, then action is bad Whatever the intentions!  Utilitarianism provide a straightforward method for assessing our actions. What are the problems? Advantage: Easy, uncontroversial assessment Example: Policy Making We are looking at our policy makers’ accomplishments, not intentions! Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

20. 20Consequentialism The Problem of Personal Integrity Two examples: George the chemist / Jim in the jungle Williams’ claim: Utilitarianism deprives people of their integrity Williams’ argument: Utilitarianism separates people’s actions from the projects they are committed to. Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana  Utilitarianism seems to impose some form of alienation on individuals

21. 21Consequentialism Answers to the Problem of Personal Integrity Bad calculation: - The world is a better place with people happy with themselves - Better efficiency comes with commitment to projects Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana Bite the bullet: If some of our favored projects go against morality, so much for our projects – Morality IS demanding Different factors enter into account in our decision making The moral point of view is but one factor: other considerations are important.

22. 22Consequentialism The Problem of Rights Consequentialism  No absolute rules Rules: good only in so far as they promote the general welfare  Utilitarianism seems to threaten fundamental rights Conflict with rights: Riots, Angela York, Peeping Tom Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

23. 23Consequentialism Answer to the Problem of Rights Bad Calculations : Riot, Angela York Peeping Tom? Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana  Utilitarianism tells us that there is no absolute moral rules Bite the bullet: If common sense contradicts true morality, so much for common sense Ex: in the German woods

24. 24Outline Introduction: History and Basics Utility Impartiality Consequentialism Conclusion: What to take from Utilitarianism Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

25. 25Conclusion What to take from utilitarianism? Definition: Utilitarianism is the view that is right to do is to do whatever has for consequence to maximize the happiness for everyone concerned Three components: 1. Utility: How to measure happiness? Pleasure and pain 2. Impartiality: Everybody counts, and counts equally 3. Consequentialism: Only consequences count, not motives or rights Definition: Utilitarianism is the view that is right to do is to do whatever has for consequence to maximize the happiness for everyone concerned Three components: 1. Utility: How to measure happiness? Pleasure and pain 2. Impartiality: Everybody counts, and counts equally 3. Consequentialism: Only consequences count, not motives or rights Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana

26. 26Conclusion What to take from utilitarianism? Objections: 1. A doctrine worthy of a swine 2. Impartiality vs Close Relationships 3. Integrity 4. Rights Answer to objections: - Refined Pleasures - Bad calculations - Bite the bullet: Morality IS demanding - But morality is not all there is to decision making - There is no absolute rules Objections: 1. A doctrine worthy of a swine 2. Impartiality vs Close Relationships 3. Integrity 4. Rights Answer to objections: - Refined Pleasures - Bad calculations - Bite the bullet: Morality IS demanding - But morality is not all there is to decision making - There is no absolute rules Soazig Le Bihan - University of Montana