Ethics
Thursday, 02/20
Utilitarianism/ Deontology

Review: Utilitarianism Objections
1. Too permissive
-bite the bullet
- point to negative side effects
- rule utilitarianism -->act utilitarianism (criticism).

Possible test question:
- Compare rule utilitarianism to Kant’s Deontology

Rule: Murder innocent people, when it seems to produce the most happiness
-miscalculations
-bad side-effects
-long-term consequences

Rule Utilitarianism – Absolute rules, those rules based upon rules that would maximize happiness (hypothetical world).
Act Utilitarianism – Rules of thumb, common sense, act based on a generalization
- look at the particulars
- assessments of facts

Deontology vs. Utilitarianism (difference) – reasons for the choices
(see also class notes on Kant’s Deontology)

Rule: Right to free speech –
Mill – having this as an absolute, maximizes happiness (or would do so if everyone respected it) promotes utility.

Possible test question:
Mill’s political philosophy vs. theory of Utilitarianism

Mill – Libertarian (“Oh Liberty”)
You should only have laws against direct and specific harm of individuals.
-bodily
-property
-infringing on freedom

Prostitution
Drug legalization
- Laws against theses do more harm than good
- Paternalism – the government acting as a parent, father.

Mill’s Political philosophy goes along with rule utilitarianism, not act Utilitarianism.