Phil 130 Exam 3: Problems with Utilitarianism, Kantian Deontology, Virtue Ethics

What is Plato's tripartite theory of the soul?

(1) the rational part, (2) the spirited part, (3) the appetitive part.

What happens in a case where sacrificing the individual would bring about much better consequences? What is the problem with rule utilitarianism? (Two-horned dilemma and their problems)

1. If we don't follow the rule in this case because the actual consequences matter more than the rule, then utilitarianism collapses into act utilitarianism. What really matter are the consequences of each action. If in principle it's just never okay to sacrifice an individual, we are operating on some other fundamental principle that doesn't rely on consequences. 2. If we still follow the rule in this case, then the rule matters more than the actual consequence in a specific case. And then maybe it's not really a form of consequentialism anymore.

What does it mean to say that rule utilitarianism might collapse into act utilitarianism?

1. If we don't follow the rules in this case because the actual consequences matter more than the rule, then utilitarianism collapses into act utilitarianism (original utilitarianism). What really matter are the consequences of each action. If in principle it's just never okay to sacrifice an individual, we are operating on some other fundamental principle that doesn't rely on consequences. 2. If we still follow the rule in this case, then rule matters more than the actual consequences in a specific case. And then maybe it's not really a form of consequentialism anymore.

Objections to Utilitarianism

1. Predicting and calculating consequences is difficult or impossible. 2. Utilitarianism does not respect the individual. It would sometimes allow for individuals to be sacrificed for the greater good. 3. Consequences aren't the only thing that matters in our actions. In particular, shouldn't intentions matter? 4. Maybe impartiality in our moral decision making isn't always good.

What are the three major strengths of Kantian Deontology according to its proponents?

1. Simplicity: the decision procedure generates a set of rules to live by. 2. Rationality: the view makes moral decision making an entirely rational enterprise. 3. Respect: the view respects the rights of every human.

Objections to Kantian ethics

1. Sometimes rules conflict. What then? 2. We might be wrong in our rules. The decision procedure is infallible. 3. Kantian ethics is rule-obsessed: it privileges adherence to rules above all else. 4. Acting our of duty is not the right kind of intention. Complete rationality in our moral decision making is not preferable.

Aristotle on Akrasia- Four Types of People

1. The Vicious Person: thinks he should do the wrong thing, does it, enjoys it. 2. The Akratic Person (weak-willed): knows he shouldn't do the wrong thing, is pained by a conflicting desire, but gives in to a conflicting desire. 3. The Non-Akratic Person (strong-willed): Knows he shouldn't do the wrong thing, is pained by a conflicting desire, but does not give in to desire. 4. The virtuous Person: thinks he shouldn't do the wrong thing, is not pained by conflicting desires, and enjoys doing the right thing.

What are virtue ethics central questions? What do they each take as a starting question in normative ethics?

1. Why should we be morally good? 2. What makes someone a good person?<-- 3. How do we become a good person?

What is good will for Kant? What does it have to do with good intentions?

A good will has to do with good motivations or intentions. But Kant understands intentions in a particular way: A good will: acting from a sense of duty or responsibility because you recognize, through reason, that you have a moral duty to act.

What is the difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism? Which one is the traditional utilitarian view?

Act Utilitarianism: The original version of the view, as we've discussed it. Tells us that the right thing to do is whatever maximizes utility for the most amount of people. We do the utilitarian calculus for each decision. Rule Utilitarianism: A modified version of utilitarianism that established moral rules that we must follow based on the typical consequence of certain behavior. (What are the typical consequences of lying? Of murder? etc.)

What is the universal law formulation of the categorical imperative? What is the decision procedure it gives us for moral decision making?

Act on the maxim that you can will to be a universal law. 1. Formulate the action you are considering as a rule. 2. Ask yourself if you would be willing to make that a rule that everyone has to follow. 3. If yes, make a rule that allows this type of action. 4. If not, make a rule that forbids this type of action. 5. Always follow the rule yourself!

What is the humanity formulation of the categorical imperative? What does it mean to treat someone as an end in themselves, or treat someone merely as means? Are we ever allowed to treat someone as means to our own ends?

Act so that you treat others always as ends in themselves as never as mere means. You can treat a person as means to achieve your desires and goals, but only if you also treat them as ends in themselves- as rational agents with desires and goals of their own.

Why does Aristotle think we should be morally good? He defend this idea with the function argument, what is it? What does our connection with function have to do with being a good person?

Being virtuous is necessary for happiness or flourishing (eudamonia). 1. To live a flourishing life you must fulfill your function in life. 2. A thing's function is related to what is special or unique about that thing. 3. What is special or unique about human beings if their rationality. 4. So every humans function is to be ruled by reason. 5. Being virtuous means being ruled by reason.

How does Socrates understand virtue? What does he think is the one necessary and sufficient condition for being virtuous?

Being virtuous=having knowledge of virtue. Understanding what virtue is guarantees that we will be virtuous.

What is a Hypothetical Imperative?

Conditional, dependent in the desires you have (day to day). If you want an A in Philosophy class, you must study hard.

True/False: According to Aristotle, akrasia is not possible.

False

True/False: According to Kant, we cannot have moral duties to ourself.

False

True/False: Socrates believe that Akrasia is possible for human beings.

False

True/False: Plato and Aristotle disagree on why we should be moral good.

False.

True/False: The two formulations of categorical imperative are meant to capture two different principles that operate in our moral lives.

False.

True/False: Unlike act utilitarianism, rule utilitarianism does not judge actions by their consequences.

False.

What is the Greek concept of eduaimonia?

Flourishing

According to Aristotle, to become virtuous we first need to develop practical reasoning skills. What else do we need to do to become virtuous?

Habituate our soul through lots of practice.

Which of the following is an example of an imperfect duty according to Kant?

Help those in need.

Why is Kantian Ethics called Deontology?

It's a rules-based approach to normative ethics.

Kant is a moral objectivist. What does this mean for our understanding of the categorical imperative, particularly the universal law formulation? If you make a rule 'Do not murder' does that make murdering wrong?

Kant does not think something is morally right because you would universalize it as a rule. Instead, he thinks that you would be willing to universalize a moral rule because it is morally right. So things are not rights simply because you make a rule saying they are right. (Kant is not a subjectivist) you make the rules you do, Kant thinks, because you recognize the right and wrong. Kant thinks we will end up with the same general set of rules to follow.

Why does Kant think that every human being deserves respect?

Kant thinks we are special because we are: (1) value-givers (2) rational agents

What does Kant think about the murder-at-the-door experiment? What is the objection this raises against this view?

Kant: It's not okay to lie to him. Perhaps lying would save your friend, but if you lie to him you are failing to treat him as an end. Your failing to appreciate that he is a rational agent himself, who is capable of deciding for himself how to feel about your friend being in your home. 1. Sometimes rules conflict. What then?

What does Kant think is inherently good?

Kant: the one inherent is good will.

Which objection is raised against Kantian Ethics in the murder-at-the-door thought experiment?

Kantian Ethics is rule-obsessed.

Which objection to Kantian Ethics is raised by the friend Jeremy at the door thought experiment?

Kantian ethics makes moral decision making too rational.

Why does Kant think that lying is morally wrong?

Lying deprives people of moral agency.

Can you explain the objection that impartiality in our decision making is not always good? How does the thought experiment about the hungry children help raise this objection?

Maybe impartiality in our moral decision making isn't always good.

Which objection to utilitarianism does the John "No Witnesses" Jones though experiment raise?

More than consequences matter in determining right or wrong action.

What is a categorical imperative?

Non-condition, applicable no matter your desires. Whatever desire, you must x.

Can you explain the criticism of utilitarianism that is difficult to both predict and calculate consequences? How is it a problem for the view?

Objection 1: Predicting and calculating consequences is difficult or impossible. Problem: there are limitless possibilities in producing utility

Why does Plato think we should be morally good? How does he defend this idea? What is the Greek concept of eudaimonia?

Plato: being morally good is necessary for happiness or flourishing (eudaimonia). A morally bad person will never have eduamonia. The ring of gyges myth shows us that moral goodness is inherently good, not just instrumentally good. Even if we don't have moral goodness to get us to anything else (wealth, power, love, health, etc.) We need it for our own well-being.

What is virtue, according to Plato? What does it have to do with the three parts of the soul?

Plato: being virtuous=having a harmonious soul, with reason firmly in charge. In the virtuous soul, reason is in charge, the spirited part of the soul helps enforce the will of reason, and the appetites are firmly i check.

For Plato, knowledge of virtue is a necessary but not sufficient condition for being virtuous. What other thin is necessary for becoming virtuous?

Rational judgements about what is good or bad for us have motivation force. But the appetites also have motivating force. Reason must overcome that force when appetite's motivations conflict with its own. Get your soul in order! (acquiring knowledge is first step)

What parts of the soul have motivating force according to Plato? Does Plato think we are capable of weakness of will?

Reason is in charge, the spirited part of the soul helps enforce the will of reason. Yes, either out of ignorance or because the appetites overcome reason.

How is rule utilitarianism meant to avoid the objection that utilitarianism doesn't have respect for the individual?

Rules are grounded in consequences, but the consequences are general and not specific. In the Dr.Thomas case, we might establish a rule "Never sacrifice the individual for the greater good" because in general that will bring about better consequences.

What is a Perfect Duty?

Rules from the CI that apply in all circumstances unconditionally Examples: Never lie. Never coerce. Never steal.

What is an Imperfect Duty?

Rules from the CI that have to be fulfilled at least sometimes, but not necessarily all the time. Doing it isn't optional, but we have options about when and where to fulfill the duty. Examples: Help the homeless. Donate to charity. Volunteer to help others.

How does Aristotle think we become virtuous? What is needed besides knowledge of virtue? What is the role of practice or habituation?

Step 1: Develop practical reasoning- use reason to develop a practical understanding of what virtue is. Step 2: Practice exercising this practical reason- practice until reason is habituated to be firmly in control of the appetites and desires. Step 3: Flourish!

What is the Greek concept of arete?

The Greeks: Moral goodness=virtue or excellence of character

Does Kant think we have duties to ourselves? If so, what are some examples? What might these duties to ourselves have to do with our base desires or appetites?

The categorical imperative is meant to help us recognize our duties to others. For example, Kant thinks we shouldn't lie to others. Kant thinks we do in fact have duties to ourselves as well as others. We have a duty to preserve our health, to develop our talents, etc. Kant thinks that fulfilling duties to ourselves often requires ignoring our base appetites or desires and instead of doing what reason says is best.

What is the weakness of will, akrasia? Does Socrates think this is possible? Why or why not?

The rational part of the soul is always in charge. Only rational judgements about what is good or bad for us have motivation force. Appetites or desires or emotions do not have motivation force on their own. We never do wrong unwillingly. True weakness of will (akrasia) is impossible. How do we become virtuous? acquire knowledge!

True/False: According to Aristotle, every virtue is a golden mean between two vices.

True

True/False: According to Socrates all moral wrong-doing happens because of ignorance

True

True/False: Action ethics and Virtue ethics are both areas of Normative ethics.

True

True/False: Plato believes that weakness of will is possible for humans.

True

True/False: Socrates thinks that only the intellect can motivate us to action. but Plato believes that our appetites and desires can also motivate us to actions.

True

True/False: According to Aristotle, the non-akratic person is morally better than the akratic person.

True.

True/False: According to Aristotle, the virtuous person will never experience akrasia.

True.

True/False: Hypothetical imperatives can change day to day.

True.

True/False: Rule utilitarianism is an attempt to fix the problem that utilitarianism doesn't respect the individual.

True.

True/False: The two formulations of Kant's categorical imperative are intended to pick up on the same underlying moral principle.

True.

Which objection to utilitarianism is raised by the Dr.Thomas thought experiment?

Utilitarianism does not respect the individual. It would sometimes allow for individuals to be sacrificed for the greater good.

Which objection to utilitarianism does the hungry children thought experiment raise?

Utilitarianism requires us to be too impartial in our moral decision making.

What are the two parts of the soul according to Socrates? What part of our psych motivates us to action according to him?

Virtue has to do with the relationship between the different parts of the soul- between the rational part and the appetitive part. Rational part motivates us to action.

What is Aristotle's golden mean? How does is explain the relationship between virtue and vice?

Virtues are golden means between vices. Every virtue is somewhere between two vices. Each mean captures the right balance between regard for ourselves and regard for others. A virtuous person has the right consideration for other people, but is not entirely self-sacrificing. They also have the right self-regard or self-care.

Does Socrates think we can willingly do wrong? What does Socrates think is the explanation for all moral wrong-doing?

Yes, why? Out of ignorance!

Which of the following is an example of treating someone merely as a means?

You coerce your classmate into writing a paper for you.

Which of the following virtues and vice set does not fit Aristotle's conception of the golden mean?

ignorance, wisdom, knowledge