Lecture Notes: Moral Dilemmas and Utilitarianism
Introduction
- Previous discussion on moral dilemmas:
- Trolley car problem
- Doctors and organ transplantation
- Key observations:
- Initial judgments were based on specific cases.
- Attempted to align personal judgments with broader moral principles.
- Pressure to reconcile specific case judgments with general principles.
Moral Reasoning
- Consequentialist Moral Reasoning:
- Morality of an act linked to its outcomes.
- Example: Acts bringing about good results despite harmful methods.
- Categorical Moral Reasoning:
- Intrinsic quality of the act matters, irrespective of outcomes.
- Some acts deemed categorically wrong even if they yield good results.
Introduction to Utilitarianism
- Focus on consequentialist moral theory, specifically Utilitarianism:
- Philosophy by Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century.
- Principle: Maximize utility (pleasure over pain, happiness over suffering).
- Slogan: "The greatest good for the greatest number."
Case Study: The Queen vs. Dudley and Stevens
- Real-life moral dilemma involving survival at sea:
- Crew of the yacht Minionette stranded without food.
- Decision to kill the cabin boy, Richard Parker, for survival.
- Legal and moral implications questioned.
Jury Simulation
- Moral permissibility of Dudley and Stevens' actions debated:
- Arguments for their actions based on necessity and potential societal contributions.
- Arguments against based on moral and legal principles.
Key Arguments Discussed
- For Moral Justification:
- Actions out of necessity for survival.
- Greater good achieved by preserving lives of those with families.
- Against Moral Justification:
- Taking life without consent is inherently wrong.
- Moral obligations not overridden by situational necessity.
Consent and Lottery Considerations
- Consent:
- Moral implications if Parker consented.
- Debate on whether consent changes moral permissibility.
- Lottery:
- Fairness of using a lottery to decide who would die.
- Consideration of whether consent to a lottery alters moral standing.
Philosophical Questions Raised
- Why is murder categorically wrong? Is it due to fundamental rights?
- Why does agreement to a procedure justify the outcomes?
- What moral role does consent play in altering the permissibility of actions?
Next Steps
- Future readings on Bentham and John Stuart Mill to explore these philosophical questions.
- Further interaction and learning opportunities online.
For additional resources and engagement: visit justiceharvard.org.