2/18/03

DQ #6-write 1 to 2 pages comparing deontology to utilitarianism. Which is the better theory and why?

Objections to utilitarianism:
1.Too permissive; condones seemingly immoral acts.
Responses:A."Bite the bullet". Our moral intuitions are wrong. Cultural in nature, not rational. B.Point to bad side effects. Not really permitted. Negative side effects would outweigh the positive.
Problems with responses:Publicity requirement. In order for the act to have negative side effects, people must know about the act.

2.Too demanding;sacrifice yourself to the greater good.
Responses:A."Bite the bullet". Most people are selfish, fall short of the standards of morality. B.Psychologically it's too difficult to sustain this kind of sacrifice.

3.Too difficult to calculate the consequences
Responses:A.Have to consider the negative utility of spending too much time calculating. B.Can use practical guidelines and break when necessary.

4.People use hedonistic calculus to justify what they are already doing.Rationalization of existing values.


Rule Utilitarianism:The right act is that which is in accord with the rule which, if universally followed, maximizes happiness.
Criticism:Rule util. can be collapsed into act util. Exceptions will fail and the only rule will be to maximize happiness.