1. Introduction to Happiness Dan Turton PHIL106 - 2008

2. My Goal Today Get you to believe two things: Get you to believe two things: 1) Happiness is real 1) Happiness is real 2) Happiness is good 2) Happiness is good

3. Are you Happy? A simple and a complicated question A simple and a complicated question How we go about answering it depends on what we take ‘happiness’ to mean How we go about answering it depends on what we take ‘happiness’ to mean Or, it depends on how the question is asked Or, it depends on how the question is asked

4. How Can I Find Out if You Are Happy? How are you feeling right now (from 1 to 7)? How are you feeling right now (from 1 to 7)? 1= very bad, 4= OK, 7= very good 1= very bad, 4= OK, 7= very good All things considered, how happy are you these days (from 1 to 7)? All things considered, how happy are you these days (from 1 to 7)? 1= very unhappy, 4= OK, 7= very happy 1= very unhappy, 4= OK, 7= very happy On the whole, how good do you think your life is (from 1 to 7)? On the whole, how good do you think your life is (from 1 to 7)? 1= very bad, 4= OK, 7= very good 1= very bad, 4= OK, 7= very good

5. How Can You Find Out if You Are Happy? (So You Can Answer) How are you feeling right now (from 1 to 7)? How are you feeling right now (from 1 to 7)? Introspection Introspection All things considered, how happy are you these days (from 1 to 7)? All things considered, how happy are you these days (from 1 to 7)? Introspection, comparative judgement Introspection, comparative judgement On the whole, how good do you think your life is (from 1 to 7)? On the whole, how good do you think your life is (from 1 to 7)? Introspection, comparative judgement, relative to conception of ‘the good life’ Introspection, comparative judgement, relative to conception of ‘the good life’

6. Three Levels of Happiness Nettle (in the course readings) groups happiness into three different types or levels Nettle (in the course readings) groups happiness into three different types or levels

7. Level One Happiness: Feeling Happy in the Moment How are you feeling right now? How are you feeling right now? Introspection Introspection Level One Happiness (Nettle) Level One Happiness (Nettle) Mood Mood Pleasure Pleasure Joy Joy Absence of pain and suffering (negative feelings) Absence of pain and suffering (negative feelings) Fear, Anger, Sadness, Disgust, Pain Fear, Anger, Sadness, Disgust, Pain

8. Level One Happiness: Feeling Happy in the Moment Is there really such a thing? Is there really such a thing? How good are we at getting it right? How good are we at getting it right? Introspection Introspection Smiling. Smiling.. Brain scans Brain scans How good is it to have? How good is it to have?

9. Level Two Happiness: Judging Your Happiness All things considered, how happy are you these days? All things considered, how happy are you these days? Introspection, comparative judgement Introspection, comparative judgement Level Two Happiness (Nettle) Level Two Happiness (Nettle) Total net Level One happiness Total net Level One happiness Well-being Well-being Satisfaction Satisfaction Judgement about feelings Judgement about feelings Can be distorted by biased judgements Can be distorted by biased judgements

10. Level Two Happiness: Judging Your Happiness Is there really such a thing? Is there really such a thing? How good are we at getting it right? How good are we at getting it right? Appraisal biases Appraisal biases Aspirational biases Aspirational biases How good is it to have? How good is it to have?

11. Level Three Happiness: Thinking You Have a Good Life On the whole, how good do you think your life is? On the whole, how good do you think your life is? Introspection, comparative judgement, relative to conception of ‘the good life’ Introspection, comparative judgement, relative to conception of ‘the good life’ Level Three Happiness (Nettle) Level Three Happiness (Nettle) Eudaimonia Eudaimonia Fulfilling potential Fulfilling potential Quality of life Quality of life Doesn’t always require Level 1 or 2 happiness Doesn’t always require Level 1 or 2 happiness

12. Level Three Happiness: Thinking You Have a Good Life Is there really such a thing? Is there really such a thing? Subjectively: yes Subjectively: yes Objectively: interesting question Objectively: interesting question How good are we at getting it right? How good are we at getting it right? How good is it to have? How good is it to have?

13. Happiness ‘Continuum’ Level 1 - Momentary feelings - Mood - Pleasure or joy - Not suffering Level 2 - Judgements about feelings - Net level 1 happiness - Well-being - satisfaction Level 3 - Holistic evaluation of value of life - Flourishing - Needn’t include happiness More emotional, sensual, and reliable More cognitive, moral, and easily biased

14. Next Two Weeks Level One & Two Happiness, enjoying and being satisfied with your life, is what we will be mainly discussing over the next 2 weeks Level One & Two Happiness, enjoying and being satisfied with your life, is what we will be mainly discussing over the next 2 weeks Happiness and Advertising Happiness and Advertising Happiness and Bioethics Happiness and Bioethics

15. Happiness & Advertising 1 Dan Turton

16. Happiness ‘Continuum’ Level 1 - Momentary feelings - Mood - Pleasure or joy - Not suffering Level 2 - Judgements about feelings - Net level 1 happiness - Well-being - satisfaction Level 3 - Holistic evaluation of value of life - Flourishing - Needn’t include happiness More emotional, sensual, and reliable More cognitive, moral, and easily biased

17. Today Start addressing the question: Start addressing the question: Is advertising immoral? Is advertising immoral? An explanation of advertising An explanation of advertising A defense of advertising A defense of advertising Setting up some of the moral issues Setting up some of the moral issues

18. Advertising is… Communication from a specific source that intends to inform and influence the audience so that they believe something and/or behave in a certain way Communication from a specific source that intends to inform and influence the audience so that they believe something and/or behave in a certain way It is usually: It is usually: Persuading people to purchase a brand/product Persuading people to purchase a brand/product Paid for Paid for Using mass media Using mass media

19. Advertising might also be… Rosser Reeves Rosser Reeves Manager of a successful advertising company Manager of a successful advertising company While holding up two coins: While holding up two coins: “[Making] you think that this quarter is more valuable than that one” “[Making] you think that this quarter is more valuable than that one”

20. The Role of Advertising Advertising supports marketing and business function. Advertising supports marketing and business function. A modern business model: A modern business model: Perform consumer research Perform consumer research Develop new product based on research Develop new product based on research Advertise product Advertise product Sell product Sell product Importantly, both the business and the consumers are thought to benefit from this Importantly, both the business and the consumers are thought to benefit from this

21. The Benefits of Advertising Advertising helps consumers decide what to buy Advertising helps consumers decide what to buy Informs about the existence of new products Informs about the existence of new products Informs about new uses for existing products Informs about new uses for existing products Informs about differences between products Informs about differences between products Advertising provides incentives to: Advertising provides incentives to: Make differentiated products, and Make differentiated products, and Innovative products Innovative products

22. The Benefits of Advertising 2 Advertising is entertainment Advertising is entertainment Many ads are: Many ads are: Funny Funny Interesting Interesting Artistic Artistic Appealing in other ways Appealing in other ways

23. The Benefits of Advertising 3 Advertising is good for the economy Advertising is good for the economy It is a huge industry It is a huge industry It employs a lot of people It employs a lot of people It stimulates economic growth by connecting more of consumers needs and wants with solutions It stimulates economic growth by connecting more of consumers needs and wants with solutions Economic growth is good Economic growth is good Means you can get more things you want Means you can get more things you want

24. The Benefits of Advertising 3 Advertising is good for the economy Advertising is good for the economy It is a huge industry It is a huge industry It employs a lot of people It employs a lot of people It stimulates economic growth by connecting more of consumers needs and wants with solutions It stimulates economic growth by connecting more of consumers needs and wants with solutions Economic growth is good Economic growth is good Means you can get more things you want Means you can get more things you want

25. The Benefits of Advertising 4 Winston Churchill: Winston Churchill: “Advertising nourishes the consuming power of men. It creates wants for a better standard of living… It spurs individual exertion and greater production.” “Advertising nourishes the consuming power of men. It creates wants for a better standard of living… It spurs individual exertion and greater production.” Advertising improves our well-being Advertising improves our well-being

26. So, What’s Wrong with Advertising? Apparently, advertising deceives people into buying things that they don’t really need Apparently, advertising deceives people into buying things that they don’t really need Apparently, advertising lies, deceives and misleads Apparently, advertising lies, deceives and misleads Apparently, advertising makes people think they need things that they shouldn’t even want Apparently, advertising makes people think they need things that they shouldn’t even want

27. Advertising Doesn’t Lie Reasons why advertisers don’t lie Reasons why advertisers don’t lie Misleading ads are reported and removed from circulation Misleading ads are reported and removed from circulation ASA: “Truthful Presentation - Advertisements should not contain any statement or visual presentation or create an overall impression which directly or by implication, omission, ambiguity or exaggerated claim is misleading or deceptive, is likely to deceive or mislead the consumer, makes false and misleading representation, abuses the trust of the consumer or exploits his/her lack of experience or knowledge. (Obvious hyperbole, identifiable as such, is not considered to be misleading).” ASA: “Truthful Presentation - Advertisements should not contain any statement or visual presentation or create an overall impression which directly or by implication, omission, ambiguity or exaggerated claim is misleading or deceptive, is likely to deceive or mislead the consumer, makes false and misleading representation, abuses the trust of the consumer or exploits his/her lack of experience or knowledge. (Obvious hyperbole, identifiable as such, is not considered to be misleading).”

28. Advertising Doesn’t Lie Reasons why advertisers don’t lie Reasons why advertisers don’t lie Misleading ads are reported and removed from circulation Misleading ads are reported and removed from circulation Lies about product quality are soon discovered, making the lying company go out of business Lies about product quality are soon discovered, making the lying company go out of business Really important product categories have extra regulations to prevent lying Really important product categories have extra regulations to prevent lying Advertisers don’t want to tarnish the reputation of advertising generally Advertisers don’t want to tarnish the reputation of advertising generally

29. Advertising Doesn’t Make Us Buy Things We Don’t Need Advertising never forces anyone to do anything Advertising never forces anyone to do anything Advertising does influence our purchase decisions (at least it intends to) Advertising does influence our purchase decisions (at least it intends to) But what is wrong with that? But what is wrong with that? Advertising can’t encourage you to want something you really don’t need Advertising can’t encourage you to want something you really don’t need Advertising can only help you fulfill wants and needs you already have Advertising can only help you fulfill wants and needs you already have

30. Should Advertising be Allowed to Help Us Fulfill Our Wants? Should we stop people from helping others to fulfill their wants? Should we stop people from helping others to fulfill their wants? Depends on the wants… Depends on the wants… Some things we want are bad for others Some things we want are bad for others Some things we want are bad for ourselves Some things we want are bad for ourselves

31. Should Advertising Help Us Fulfill Our Wants? Sure, people shouldn’t be encouraged to harm others but… Sure, people shouldn’t be encouraged to harm others but… Who should decide what we should and shouldn’t want (for our own good)? Who should decide what we should and shouldn’t want (for our own good)? What is better, freedom or having the government protect us from our own wants? What is better, freedom or having the government protect us from our own wants? Why shouldn’t I be able to do whatever I want with my money (without hurting others)? Why shouldn’t I be able to do whatever I want with my money (without hurting others)? Consumer Sovereignty: Surely I have that right! Consumer Sovereignty: Surely I have that right! Where do we draw the line? Where do we draw the line?

32. Summary Advertising is good because: Advertising is good because: It helps consumers decide what to buy It helps consumers decide what to buy It provides incentives for innovation It provides incentives for innovation At least some of it is entertaining At least some of it is entertaining Its good for the economy Its good for the economy It allows us to improve our lives (as we see fit) by helping us to satisfy our wants and needs It allows us to improve our lives (as we see fit) by helping us to satisfy our wants and needs Busting the myths about advertising: Busting the myths about advertising: Advertising does not lie or deceive Advertising does not lie or deceive Advertising cannot make people buy things they don’t want Advertising cannot make people buy things they don’t want

33. Happiness & Advertising 2 (Part 1) Dan Turton

34. Last Time Advertising is good because: Advertising is good because: It helps consumers decide what to buy It helps consumers decide what to buy It provides incentives for innovation It provides incentives for innovation At least some of it is entertaining At least some of it is entertaining Its good for the economy Its good for the economy It allows us to improve our lives (as we see fit) by helping us to satisfy our wants and needs It allows us to improve our lives (as we see fit) by helping us to satisfy our wants and needs Busting the myths about advertising: Busting the myths about advertising: Advertising does not lie or deceive Advertising does not lie or deceive Advertising cannot make people buy things they don’t want Advertising cannot make people buy things they don’t want

35. Today Clive Hamilton's argument that advertising is immoral and should be banned Clive Hamilton's argument that advertising is immoral and should be banned The advertisers argument about how advertising helps us is flawed The advertisers argument about how advertising helps us is flawed Advertising also makes us unhappy (Next time) Advertising also makes us unhappy (Next time)

36. Problem: Margin of Discontent Gap between what we have and what we want Gap between what we have and what we want Hamilton mentions two solutions: Hamilton mentions two solutions: 1) Economic growth solution: “People satisfy their wants by increasing their possessions, thus becoming happier” “People satisfy their wants by increasing their possessions, thus becoming happier” 2) ‘Sages’ solution: “Give up wanting” “Give up wanting”

37. Neo-Liberal Argument (Roughly According to Hamilton) 1) Reducing the margin of discontent makes people happier 2) Economic growth helps consumers to reduce their margin of discontent 3) Advertising encourages economic growth 4) Advertising helps consumers to make better decisions about how to reduce the margin of discontent c)Therefore, advertising helps make people happier

38. Hamilton’s Refutation of the Neo- Liberal Argument More $$ (economic growth) does not make us happier More $$ (economic growth) does not make us happier Therefore, either P1 or P2 is false Therefore, either P1 or P2 is false Advertising does not help consumers to make better decisions about how to reduce the margin of discontent Advertising does not help consumers to make better decisions about how to reduce the margin of discontent Therefore, P4 is false Therefore, P4 is false

39. Does $$ Make Us Happy? 1) Reducing the margin of discontent makes people happier 2) Economic growth helps consumers to reduce their margin of discontent If 1. and 2. are both true then why have we gotten richer but not happier? If 1. and 2. are both true then why have we gotten richer but not happier? Evidence? Evidence?

41. Materialism Doesn’t Pay Very High

42. Adaptation Lottery winners return to pretty much the same level of happiness after 1 year Lottery winners return to pretty much the same level of happiness after 1 year The more we have: The more we have: The more we want and The more we want and The more we think we need The more we think we need Evidence? Evidence?

43. So, Does $$ Make Us Happy? So, unless you are materialistic, more $$ makes very little difference to our happiness – much less than: So, unless you are materialistic, more $$ makes very little difference to our happiness – much less than: A rewarding job A rewarding job A loving relationship A loving relationship Many more things Many more things But materialistic people seem to have a pretty strange idea of happiness But materialistic people seem to have a pretty strange idea of happiness Having said all this… who would not want to win lotto? Having said all this… who would not want to win lotto?

44. Possible Neo-Liberal Response (Consumer Sovereignty) Remember Consumer Sovereignty? Remember Consumer Sovereignty? Regardless of happiness, we have a right to do what we want with our money Regardless of happiness, we have a right to do what we want with our money Economic growth gives people more freedom to choose whatever they wish to do with their lives and their money Economic growth gives people more freedom to choose whatever they wish to do with their lives and their money Without advertising consumers would find it very difficult to exercise this freedom Without advertising consumers would find it very difficult to exercise this freedom

45. Hamilton Fights Back Advertisers claim to be helping consumers to freely choose how to best satisfy their needs and wants – but this is false! Advertisers claim to be helping consumers to freely choose how to best satisfy their needs and wants – but this is false! Consumers do not freely choose between products because advertising manipulates our preferences – (Consumer Sovereignty is a myth) Consumers do not freely choose between products because advertising manipulates our preferences – (Consumer Sovereignty is a myth) More choice doesn’t help us satisfy our needs and wants More choice doesn’t help us satisfy our needs and wants Therefore, P4 is false Therefore, P4 is false

46. Consumer Sovereignty is a Myth! Consumers do not freely choose between products because advertising manipulates our preferences Consumers do not freely choose between products because advertising manipulates our preferences Our preferences are formed inside, not outside, of the marketplace Our preferences are formed inside, not outside, of the marketplace Indeed, consumers values, goals and personal identities are all formed inside the marketplace! Indeed, consumers values, goals and personal identities are all formed inside the marketplace! Evidence? Evidence?

47. The Abundance of Real Choice is a Myth The abundance of choices advertising provides are limited to meaningless choices between variations of things that we didn’t need in the first place The abundance of choices advertising provides are limited to meaningless choices between variations of things that we didn’t need in the first place “Most advertising, unfortunately, is devoted to an attempt to build up… irrational preferences for certain brands… to persuade consumers [to] buy Bumpo rather than Bango” – Prof. Boulding “Most advertising, unfortunately, is devoted to an attempt to build up… irrational preferences for certain brands… to persuade consumers [to] buy Bumpo rather than Bango” – Prof. Boulding Evidence? Evidence?

49. Coke vs. Pepsi

50. How Well Did Hamilton Fight Back? Advertisers claim to be helping consumers to freely choose how to best satisfy their needs and wants Advertisers claim to be helping consumers to freely choose how to best satisfy their needs and wants Hamilton claims that: Hamilton claims that: Advertising coerces consumers into satisfying the greedy financial wants of businesses, not their own wants or needs Advertising coerces consumers into satisfying the greedy financial wants of businesses, not their own wants or needs Advertising doesn’t provide more real choice, so it doesn’t help consumers choose what they really want Advertising doesn’t provide more real choice, so it doesn’t help consumers choose what they really want

51. Neo-Liberal Argument (Roughly According to Hamilton) 1) Reducing the margin of discontent makes people happier 2) Economic growth helps consumers to reduce their margin of discontent 3) Advertising encourages economic growth 4) Advertising helps consumers to make better decisions about how to reduce the margin of discontent c)Therefore, advertising helps make people happier

52. Summary – Is Advertising Immoral? Advertisers would say they help everyone by: Advertisers would say they help everyone by: Helping us close the margin of discontent Helping us close the margin of discontent Raising the standard of living Raising the standard of living Helping us to exercise our consumer sovereignty and our personal choices about how to live Helping us to exercise our consumer sovereignty and our personal choices about how to live Hamilton says that these claims are false Hamilton says that these claims are false

53. Next Week Happiness and Advertising 2 (Part 2) Happiness and Advertising 2 (Part 2) Hamilton’s argument that advertising makes us unhappy Hamilton’s argument that advertising makes us unhappy Happiness and Bioethics Happiness and Bioethics What exactly should we be allowed to do to make our children happy? What exactly should we be allowed to do to make our children happy?

54. Happiness & Advertising 2 (Part 2) PHIL 106 – 2008 Dan Turton

55. Today Clive Hamilton's argument that advertising is immoral and should be banned Clive Hamilton's argument that advertising is immoral and should be banned Advertising also makes us unhappy Advertising also makes us unhappy Then intro to science behind happiness & Biotech Then intro to science behind happiness & Biotech

56. Hamilton’s Argument that Advertising Makes Us Unhappy 1) The margin of discontent is a source of unhappiness 2) Advertising perpetuates the margin of discontent by making us feel dissatisfied with our lives 3) Therefore, advertising encourages us to be unhappy and dissatisfied with our lives c) Therefore, advertising is immoral and should be banned

57. Does Advertising Make Us Dissatisfied? Advertisers and their critics both agree that advertising influences consumers… Advertisers and their critics both agree that advertising influences consumers… But, to what extent does it do it? And, But, to what extent does it do it? And, How does it do it? How does it do it?

58. How Much Does Advertising Influence Us? Advertising companies are in the funny position of: Advertising companies are in the funny position of: Having to tell their clients that they can influence consumers very strongly. While, Having to tell their clients that they can influence consumers very strongly. While, Having to tell consumer rights groups that they have very little influence on consumers Having to tell consumer rights groups that they have very little influence on consumers Anyone who thinks that advertising doesn’t affect them is wrong Anyone who thinks that advertising doesn’t affect them is wrong

59. Does Advertising Make Us Dissatisfied? Remember Winston Churchill’s quote… Remember Winston Churchill’s quote… He thought advertising was good because it made people strive for a higher standard of living… but how did it do that? He thought advertising was good because it made people strive for a higher standard of living… but how did it do that? Maybe by making everyone feel dissatisfied with what they have at the moment by showing them something ‘better’ Maybe by making everyone feel dissatisfied with what they have at the moment by showing them something ‘better’ Never more so than with our prime biological motivators (for getting a good mate/s)… Never more so than with our prime biological motivators (for getting a good mate/s)… Status for men (or more directly; just getting women). Status for men (or more directly; just getting women).. Beauty (sexiness) for women. Beauty (sexiness) for women.. Real beauty for women. Real beauty for women..

60. Brand vs. Company Integrity Crazy that some companies/brands advertise in a much more moral manner than others…. right? Crazy that some companies/brands advertise in a much more moral manner than others…. right?.?.? Wrong (In this case anyway) ! Wrong (In this case anyway) !!

61. Does Advertising Really Make Us Dissatisfied? Advertising either helps us solve our existing dissatisfactions, or Advertising either helps us solve our existing dissatisfactions, or Advertising constantly provides reasons to be dissatisfied and then helps us momentarily ‘solve’ them… and then tries to make us dissatisfied again! Advertising constantly provides reasons to be dissatisfied and then helps us momentarily ‘solve’ them… and then tries to make us dissatisfied again! Hamilton thinks it’s the second option here Hamilton thinks it’s the second option here

62. Summary – Is Advertising Immoral? Advertisers would say they help everyone by: Advertisers would say they help everyone by: Helping us close the margin of discontent Helping us close the margin of discontent Raising the standard of living Raising the standard of living Helping us to exercise our consumer sovereignty and our personal choices about how to live Helping us to exercise our consumer sovereignty and our personal choices about how to live Hamilton says that advertising is immoral because: Hamilton says that advertising is immoral because: It doesn’t make us happier like they claim it does, and It doesn’t make us happier like they claim it does, and It coerces us into a constant state of dissatisfaction It coerces us into a constant state of dissatisfaction

63. Find Out More The perils of consumerism and what to do about it: The perils of consumerism and what to do about it: http://www.storyofstuff.com/ http://www.storyofstuff.com/ http://www.storyofstuff.com/ See what the anti-advertising community is up to (and trying to sell to you): See what the anti-advertising community is up to (and trying to sell to you): http://www.adbusters.org/home/ http://www.adbusters.org/home/ http://www.adbusters.org/home/ Don’t worry though! Find out how advertising is self-regulated in New Zealand Don’t worry though! Find out how advertising is self-regulated in New Zealand http://www.asa.co.nz/ http://www.asa.co.nz/ http://www.asa.co.nz/

64. Do More Let the government know what you think about how advertising is regulated: Let the government know what you think about how advertising is regulated: tmallard@ministers.govt.nz tmallard@ministers.govt.nz tmallard@ministers.govt.nz TEL (04) 470 6557 TEL (04) 470 6557 Office of Trevor Mallard, Parliament Buildings, Wellington Office of Trevor Mallard, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

65. Happiness and Biotechnology 1 PHIL 106 – 2008 Dan Turton

66. Teaser Questions If you had children, what would you want their lives to be like? If you had children, what would you want their lives to be like? What would you be willing to do to try and secure happiness for your children? What would you be willing to do to try and secure happiness for your children?

67. Rest of Today The science behind The science behind IVF = In Vitro Fertilisation IVF = In Vitro Fertilisation PGD = Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis PGD = Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis GE = Genetic Engineering GE = Genetic Engineering DNA = Deoxyribonucleic acid DNA = Deoxyribonucleic acid Happiness Happiness

68. IVF In vitro Fertilisation. In vitro Fertilisation.. About 10 eggs extracted About 10 eggs extracted Mixed with sperm Mixed with sperm Cultivated for 3 days Cultivated for 3 days Put on ice Put on ice Embryos have about 25% chance Embryos have about 25% chance Either 1, 2, or 3 embryos inserted at a time until successful pregnancy achieved Either 1, 2, or 3 embryos inserted at a time until successful pregnancy achieved Thought to be pretty safe for child and mother Thought to be pretty safe for child and mother Caused moral debate in 1970s Caused moral debate in 1970s

69. PGD - Explained Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis. Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis.. During IVF, after 3 days During IVF, after 3 days 1 of the 8 cells removed 1 of the 8 cells removed Genetic tests are run on the DNA in the cell Genetic tests are run on the DNA in the cell The tests commonly look for chromosomal abnormalities that are markers for various diseases The tests commonly look for chromosomal abnormalities that are markers for various diseases

70. Uses for PGD Current uses of PGD - mainly therapeutic Current uses of PGD - mainly therapeutic Nearly 1000 heritable diseases Nearly 1000 heritable diseases Down Syndrome, Huntington’s Disease etc Down Syndrome, Huntington’s Disease etc Disease is sometimes selected for! Disease is sometimes selected for! E.g. Deafness E.g. Deafness Family balancing Family balancing Possible future uses of PGD - enhancement Possible future uses of PGD - enhancement Smarter, stronger, taller… even happier Smarter, stronger, taller… even happier

71. GE Germline Genetic Engineering. Germline Genetic Engineering.. DNA changes that can be passed on to future generations DNA changes that can be passed on to future generations During IVF, just after egg is fertilised and before cell division During IVF, just after egg is fertilised and before cell division Hormone or virus or artificial chromosome added – which changes the DNA in all future cells Hormone or virus or artificial chromosome added – which changes the DNA in all future cells Potential uses of GE: designer babies Potential uses of GE: designer babies

72. DNA Deoxyribonucleic acid Deoxyribonucleic acid Human Genome Project Human Genome Project Complete knowledge of the DNA that encodes human life achieved in 2003 Complete knowledge of the DNA that encodes human life achieved in 2003

73. Genetics Genes have a big role to play in our phenotypes (measurable traits) Genes have a big role to play in our phenotypes (measurable traits) Genes are inherited from parents Genes are inherited from parents Developmental instructions (what to do given certain environmental cues) Developmental instructions (what to do given certain environmental cues)

74. Fallacy: Genetic Determinism Genes don’t dictate phenotype Genes don’t dictate phenotype (Genes never 100% guarantee that the organism will develop to exhibit one particular trait) (Genes never 100% guarantee that the organism will develop to exhibit one particular trait) Interactionism Interactionism Genes always interact with the environment to create the phenotype Genes always interact with the environment to create the phenotype Do our genes guarantee that we will never have a trunk? Do our genes guarantee that we will never have a trunk?

75. Science and Happiness Happiness is a biological reality Happiness is a biological reality Any state of mind is a biological state of mind Any state of mind is a biological state of mind Certain neurotransmitters have been implicated as potential components of happiness Certain neurotransmitters have been implicated as potential components of happiness Remember the brain scans Remember the brain scans

76. Happiness ‘Set Point’ Are some of your friends generally happier or sadder than you? Are some of your friends generally happier or sadder than you? Emerging consensus that each person has a happiness set point, with moods that fluctuate around it Emerging consensus that each person has a happiness set point, with moods that fluctuate around it Happiness Time

77. Genetics and Happiness General consensus that 50% of the happiness set point is ‘determined’ by our genes General consensus that 50% of the happiness set point is ‘determined’ by our genes How happy (on average) we are likely to be depends on the interaction of our genes and the environment How happy (on average) we are likely to be depends on the interaction of our genes and the environment and each contributes a similar amount to our happiness set point and each contributes a similar amount to our happiness set point

78. Genetics and Happiness How do they work it out? How do they work it out? More detail in reading (see Sober’s 4 steps) More detail in reading (see Sober’s 4 steps) Twin studies Twin studies Longitudinal tests for causal relationships between specific genes and the likelihood of certain traits appearing under certain environmental conditions Longitudinal tests for causal relationships between specific genes and the likelihood of certain traits appearing under certain environmental conditions If/when this can be done for happiness, then we can use PGD to screen for babies that are more likely to be happy If/when this can be done for happiness, then we can use PGD to screen for babies that are more likely to be happy

79. Summary Average Level 2 Happiness seems to be 50% genetic. Average Level 2 Happiness seems to be 50% genetic. If we can isolate the genes doing the work here, then… If we can isolate the genes doing the work here, then… IVF, PGD and GE might be used to choose embryos with genes that make it more likely to have a higher happiness set point under normal conditions IVF, PGD and GE might be used to choose embryos with genes that make it more likely to have a higher happiness set point under normal conditions Imagine it’s possible… Should we do it?? Imagine it’s possible… Should we do it??

80. Next Time Michael Sandel’s argument for why we shouldn’t enhance our children in this way Michael Sandel’s argument for why we shouldn’t enhance our children in this way

81. Happiness and Biotechnology 2 Dan Turton

82. Last Time How we might be able to genetically screen IVF embryos (and or GE them) to be more likely to become happy people How we might be able to genetically screen IVF embryos (and or GE them) to be more likely to become happy people Happiness Time

83. Today Michael Sandel’s argument Michael Sandel’s argument PGD/GE of children for enhancement purposes is morally wrong PGD/GE of children for enhancement purposes is morally wrong

84. Today: Sandel’s Article A weaker objection that Sandel rules out A weaker objection that Sandel rules out The ethic of giftedness The ethic of giftedness Moulding and beholding Moulding and beholding Where to draw the line Where to draw the line

85. A Weaker Objection to Enhancement It allows parents to “usurp the autonomy of the child they design” It allows parents to “usurp the autonomy of the child they design” Children don’t have autonomy over their genes, or much of their early development Children don’t have autonomy over their genes, or much of their early development Complete usurpation of a child’s autonomy implies genetic determinism Complete usurpation of a child’s autonomy implies genetic determinism PGD (without GE) doesn’t usurp anyone’s autonomy as such PGD (without GE) doesn’t usurp anyone’s autonomy as such

86. The Ethic of Giftedness “To appreciate children as gifts is to accept them as they come, not as objects of our design, or products of our will, or instruments of our ambition” “To appreciate children as gifts is to accept them as they come, not as objects of our design, or products of our will, or instruments of our ambition” Parental love should not be contingent on the attributes of the child Parental love should not be contingent on the attributes of the child They should be open to the “unbidden” They should be open to the “unbidden” Not the same for friend/spouse choice Not the same for friend/spouse choice Which is why being a parent is so special Which is why being a parent is so special

87. The Problem with Enhancing “The deepest moral objection to enhancement lies less in the perfection it seeks than in the human disposition it expresses and promotes.” “The deepest moral objection to enhancement lies less in the perfection it seeks than in the human disposition it expresses and promotes.” These kinds of enhancement encourage “hubris” in parents, making them less sympathetic and open to their children These kinds of enhancement encourage “hubris” in parents, making them less sympathetic and open to their children “Disfigures the [ideal?] relation between parent and child” “Disfigures the [ideal?] relation between parent and child”

88. Moulding and Beholding How we should best treat children as valuable gifts? How we should best treat children as valuable gifts? We need to find the right balance between: We need to find the right balance between: Moulding and beholding, or Moulding and beholding, or Transforming love and accepting love Transforming love and accepting love

89. Moulding/Transforming Love Bad moulding: Bad moulding: Do not enhance your child beyond his or her natural capacities because this will degrade the parent-child relationship and entrench attitudes at odds with the norm of unconditional love Do not enhance your child beyond his or her natural capacities because this will degrade the parent-child relationship and entrench attitudes at odds with the norm of unconditional love Good moulding: Good moulding: Transform your child if they are ill or diseased because healing a sick or injured child permits his or her natural capacities to flourish (without overriding them) Transform your child if they are ill or diseased because healing a sick or injured child permits his or her natural capacities to flourish (without overriding them)

90. Healing vs. Enhancing Medicine is OK because it has the goal of restoring normal natural human functions Medicine is OK because it has the goal of restoring normal natural human functions But both healing and enhancing have the same purpose – to maximise the child’s chances of success in life But both healing and enhancing have the same purpose – to maximise the child’s chances of success in life No, the purpose of healing is to restore health – health being the target state, a good in itself No, the purpose of healing is to restore health – health being the target state, a good in itself Health (like being morally good) is one of the fundamental elements required for human flourishing Health (like being morally good) is one of the fundamental elements required for human flourishing Health can be improved or worsened but it cannot be maximised Health can be improved or worsened but it cannot be maximised

91. Beholding/Accepting Love Bad beholding: Bad beholding: Do not be too accepting Do not be too accepting Do not fail to “cultivate… (help them discover and develop their talents and gifts)” your children because you have “a duty to promote [your] child’s excellence.” Do not fail to “cultivate… (help them discover and develop their talents and gifts)” your children because you have “a duty to promote [your] child’s excellence.” Good beholding: Good beholding: Love them for who they are and who they have the natural potential to be Love them for who they are and who they have the natural potential to be

92. Too Beholding - Never or rarely pushing or encouraging your child to grow or learn Just Right - Healing injury and illness - Using PGD to avoid diseases - Providing good education Too Molding - Using PGD and/or GE to enhance - Hyper- parenting - Eugenics Where is the line? “Transforming love, without accepting love, badgers and finally rejects.” “Accepting love, without transforming love, slides into indulgence and finally neglects.”

93. Closer Look at Sandel’s Argument Note the purpose of being a good parent is to allow and encourage your children to flourish (fulfill their natural potential) Note the purpose of being a good parent is to allow and encourage your children to flourish (fulfill their natural potential) What is it for a human to flourish? What is it for a human to flourish? What is different about providing good education and nutrition to a child and using PGD to increase the chance of having a happy child? What is different about providing good education and nutrition to a child and using PGD to increase the chance of having a happy child? If it was discovered that vitamin H made us happier, would you give some to your child? If it was discovered that vitamin H made us happier, would you give some to your child? Is PGD for happiness like hyper-parenting or like good parenting (encouraging and allowing your children to flourish)? Is PGD for happiness like hyper-parenting or like good parenting (encouraging and allowing your children to flourish)?

94. Summary Sandel thinks that the use of PGD and or GE to enhance our children is morally wrong because: Sandel thinks that the use of PGD and or GE to enhance our children is morally wrong because: It damages the parent-child relationship It damages the parent-child relationship It encourages parents to be arrogant It encourages parents to be arrogant It leads to badgering and finally rejection of children It leads to badgering and finally rejection of children Which, all combined, doesn’t let the child flourish – fulfill its natural potential Which, all combined, doesn’t let the child flourish – fulfill its natural potential

95. Next Time John Robertson’s framework for seeing if uses of PGD are moral or not (applied to happiness) John Robertson’s framework for seeing if uses of PGD are moral or not (applied to happiness) Julian Savulescu’s argument for why it is morally mandatory for us to enhance our children Julian Savulescu’s argument for why it is morally mandatory for us to enhance our children

96. Happiness and Biotechnology 3 PHIL 106 – 2008 Dan Turton

97. Last Time Sandel thinks that the use of PGD and or GE to enhance our children is morally wrong because: Sandel thinks that the use of PGD and or GE to enhance our children is morally wrong because: It damages the parent-child relationship It damages the parent-child relationship It leads to badgering and finally rejection It leads to badgering and finally rejection Which doesn’t let the child flourish – fulfill its natural potential Which doesn’t let the child flourish – fulfill its natural potential But could PGD and GE help a child fulfill its potential? But could PGD and GE help a child fulfill its potential?

98. Today John Robertson’s framework for assessing the morality of using PGD – applied to happiness John Robertson’s framework for assessing the morality of using PGD – applied to happiness Julian Savulescu’s argument for why it is morally mandatory for us to enhance our children Julian Savulescu’s argument for why it is morally mandatory for us to enhance our children

99. Robertson The science required for PGD for happiness is not that close but it might be possible The science required for PGD for happiness is not that close but it might be possible Considers some moral objections to PGD and finds non of them convincing Considers some moral objections to PGD and finds non of them convincing Proposes a framework for testing whether it would be moral to use PGD to screen for certain dispositions/traits Proposes a framework for testing whether it would be moral to use PGD to screen for certain dispositions/traits

100. Embryo Rights 1) Embryos are persons with rights (like grown ups) 2) PGD creates embryos and then kills most of them unnecessarily 3) It is morally wrong to kill people unnecessarily c) Therefore, it is morally wrong to use PGD 3-day old embryos don’t have rights 3-day old embryos don’t have rights

101. Eugenics 1) PGD is a form of eugenics because it is trying to improve the gene-pool by removing ‘weaker’ specimens 2) Eugenics is morally wrong (e.g. Nazis) c) Therefore, it is morally wrong to use PGD Coercive eugenics (killing and sterilsing people who didn’t want to be) is morally wrong… Coercive eugenics (killing and sterilsing people who didn’t want to be) is morally wrong… But its not clear that PGD is coercive eugenics But its not clear that PGD is coercive eugenics

102. Stigmatisation 1) PGD is all about avoiding having a disabled child 2) Focusing on and promoting the idea that ‘having a disability is so terrible’ stigmatises people with disabilities 3) Stigmatising people with disabilities is morally wrong c) Therefore, it is morally wrong to use PGD Stigmatising the disabled is wrong and should be avoided as much as possible… Stigmatising the disabled is wrong and should be avoided as much as possible… But the benefits that might come from PGD seem to outweigh the cost of a bit of stigmatisation But the benefits that might come from PGD seem to outweigh the cost of a bit of stigmatisation

103. Un-Openness to the Unbidden 1) Using PGD to select an ‘enhanced’ embryo encourages parents not treat the resulting children as valuable unbidden gifts 2) Not treating children as valuable unbidden gifts degrades the parent-child relationship 3) It is immoral to encourage the degradation of the parent-child relationship c) Therefore, it is morally wrong to use PGD to select an ‘enhanced’ embryo Selection of embryos using PGD is just like selecting a good mate Selection of embryos using PGD is just like selecting a good mate Should we choose our mates by random chance? Should we choose our mates by random chance?

104. Welfare of the Offspring 1) PGD will ‘commodify’ embryos, which will encourage parents to have undue expectations of how their children should develop 2) When parents have undue expectations for their children it is bad for their children’s welfare 3) Unnecessarily decreasing children’s welfare is morally wrong c) Therefore, it is morally wrong to use PGD Some parents will be like this regardless of if they have access to PGD Some parents will be like this regardless of if they have access to PGD PGD isn’t morally bad, some parents are morally bad PGD isn’t morally bad, some parents are morally bad

105. Robertson’s PGD Framework Two questions/tests to see if a new use for PGD should be allowed: Two questions/tests to see if a new use for PGD should be allowed: “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” and “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” and “If they are, would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” “If they are, would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?”

106. Procreative Liberty Freedom from interference with procreative matters… including: Freedom from interference with procreative matters… including: The freedom to decide to reproduce or not reproduce The freedom to decide to reproduce or not reproduce Some choice over the genetic make up of your prospective children – (mate selection) Some choice over the genetic make up of your prospective children – (mate selection)

107. Passing Test #1 “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” These kinds of decisions often have the goal of rearing healthy offspring These kinds of decisions often have the goal of rearing healthy offspring Yes = pass (go on to the second test) Yes = pass (go on to the second test) E.g. Using PGD to select a non-genetically diseased embryo = Avoiding mating with someone with an inherited disease E.g. Using PGD to select a non-genetically diseased embryo = Avoiding mating with someone with an inherited disease No = fail (go home and try to do it the natural way) No = fail (go home and try to do it the natural way) E.g. Using PGD to select a very very genetically disabled embryo = very unusual procreative behaviour E.g. Using PGD to select a very very genetically disabled embryo = very unusual procreative behaviour

108. Passing Test #2 When test #1 is passed, the onus goes to the person wanting to restrict the parents’ procreative liberty When test #1 is passed, the onus goes to the person wanting to restrict the parents’ procreative liberty They need to provide a good reason for doing so They need to provide a good reason for doing so “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” Note that imposing harm on the offspring with PGD is hard to do because that particular embryo would not have been born at all without PGD Note that imposing harm on the offspring with PGD is hard to do because that particular embryo would not have been born at all without PGD Yes = fail (don’t be so greedy) Yes = fail (don’t be so greedy) No = pass (lets book you a PGD appointment!) No = pass (lets book you a PGD appointment!)

109. Framework in Use – Gender Selection PGD for gender variety/family balancing PGD for gender variety/family balancing “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” Yes – it is common to want a certain gender child because of the different raising experience it offers Yes – it is common to want a certain gender child because of the different raising experience it offers But it is uncommon to be able to choose the gender! But it is uncommon to be able to choose the gender! “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” No – as long as it was for balancing there is no stigmatisation etc. No – as long as it was for balancing there is no stigmatisation etc. Robertson’s verdict: Robertson’s verdict: PASS: lets book you a PGD appointment! PASS: lets book you a PGD appointment!

110. Framework in Use – Avoiding Deafness PGD for avoiding or deafness PGD for avoiding or deafness “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” Yes – it is common to want children with normal hearing ability Yes – it is common to want children with normal hearing ability But it is uncommon to be able to choose the hearing ability! But it is uncommon to be able to choose the hearing ability! “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” No – the deaf community is not stigmatised because they still have rights etc. No – the deaf community is not stigmatised because they still have rights etc. But perhaps their lives would be worse if there were less deaf people But perhaps their lives would be worse if there were less deaf people Robertson’s verdict: Robertson’s verdict: PASS: lets book you a PGD appointment! PASS: lets book you a PGD appointment!

111. Framework in Use – Selecting for Deafness PGD for deafness! PGD for deafness! “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” Yes – it is common to want a child that can share in your culture Yes – it is common to want a child that can share in your culture But it is uncommon to be able to choose deafness! But it is uncommon to be able to choose deafness! “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” No – otherwise the deaf child would not have had a life at all No – otherwise the deaf child would not have had a life at all But we would never allow parents pop a babies eardrums to make them deaf! But we would never allow parents pop a babies eardrums to make them deaf! Robertson’s verdict: Robertson’s verdict: PASS: lets book you a PGD appointment! PASS: lets book you a PGD appointment!

112. Problems with the Framework Is there anything that they wouldn't allow? Is there anything that they wouldn't allow? The questions/tests are not clear enough The questions/tests are not clear enough “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” Robertson seems to think we should have the freedom to get what we want in terms of type of child, just because it is common to want it Robertson seems to think we should have the freedom to get what we want in terms of type of child, just because it is common to want it “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” While the child might not be harmed, would we prefer the world with the harmed child or the normal child? While the child might not be harmed, would we prefer the world with the harmed child or the normal child?

113. Framework in Use – Selecting for Happiness PGD for happiness PGD for happiness “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” “Are parents making the type of decision that falls within common understanding of procreative liberty?” Yes – it is common to want a child to be happy Yes – it is common to want a child to be happy “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” “Would those decisions impose harm or burdens on others that justify discouraging or barring them?” No – in fact everyone might benefit from having happy people around No – in fact everyone might benefit from having happy people around The verdict? The verdict?

114. Summing up Robertson Procreative liberty, if understood broadly, puts the onus on the objector to PGD to show who will be harmed by its use Procreative liberty, if understood broadly, puts the onus on the objector to PGD to show who will be harmed by its use Procreative liberty does not allow us to intentionally kill people though Procreative liberty does not allow us to intentionally kill people though So, if embryos are people, PGD might still be immoral So, if embryos are people, PGD might still be immoral But there needs to be a robust definition of ‘person’ that gets around objections for this to work – recall abortion-type arguments But there needs to be a robust definition of ‘person’ that gets around objections for this to work – recall abortion-type arguments

115. Savulescu Thinks that some enhancements that PGD and/or GE can provide would make children’s lives much better, whatever they chose to do later in life. Thinks that some enhancements that PGD and/or GE can provide would make children’s lives much better, whatever they chose to do later in life. Thinks parents are morally obliged to provide these kinds of enhancements to their children if they can Thinks parents are morally obliged to provide these kinds of enhancements to their children if they can

116. Savulescu’s Argument 1) Some enhancements that PGD and/or GE can provide are good for children because they increase their chances for a good life 2) Parents should do what they can to increase their children’s chances of having a good life 3) Therefore, there are some enhancements that parents should choose for their children 4) It is morally wrong to stop parents from helping their children to have better lives (when no one else is harmed) c) Therefore, it is morally wrong to prevent parents using PGD and/or GE for some enhancements

117. Summing up Savulescu Some enhancements that PGD and/or GE can provide are good for children, no matter what they choose to do with their lives, because they increase their chances for a good life Some enhancements that PGD and/or GE can provide are good for children, no matter what they choose to do with their lives, because they increase their chances for a good life Which enhancements? Which enhancements? Savulescu: memory, empathy Savulescu: memory, empathy Presumably happiness too Presumably happiness too

118. Summary The verdicts on using PGD and/or GE to enhance our children’s happiness The verdicts on using PGD and/or GE to enhance our children’s happiness Sandel: morally wrong Sandel: morally wrong Because it doesn’t let the child flourish – fulfill its natural potential (which is what good parents are supposed to do) Because it doesn’t let the child flourish – fulfill its natural potential (which is what good parents are supposed to do) Robertson: morally permissible Robertson: morally permissible Because procreative liberty includes wanting a happy child and no one is harmed by it Because procreative liberty includes wanting a happy child and no one is harmed by it Savelescu: morally mandatory Savelescu: morally mandatory Because it will give children a better chance of living a good life (which is what good parents are supposed to do) Because it will give children a better chance of living a good life (which is what good parents are supposed to do)

119. You Decide Your verdict on using PGD and/or GE to enhance our children’s happiness Your verdict on using PGD and/or GE to enhance our children’s happiness Morally wrong? Permissible? or mandatory? Morally wrong? Permissible? or mandatory?

120. Find Out and Do More What is the current-ish state of PGD in New Zealand? What is the current-ish state of PGD in New Zealand? http://www.bioethics.org.nz/downloads/pre- birth-testing.pdf http://www.bioethics.org.nz/downloads/pre- birth-testing.pdf http://www.bioethics.org.nz/downloads/pre- birth-testing.pdf http://www.bioethics.org.nz/downloads/pre- birth-testing.pdf What might the future hold for New Zealand’s bioethical regulations and how can I have my say? What might the future hold for New Zealand’s bioethical regulations and how can I have my say? http://www.bioethics.org.nz/ http://www.bioethics.org.nz/ http://www.bioethics.org.nz/ Find out when the next public forum is and go! Find out when the next public forum is and go!

121. Next Time Global Justice with Ramon Das Global Justice with Ramon Das