Overview
This lecture examines whether Batman should kill the Joker through the lens of two major moral theories: Kantianism and utilitarianism, introducing key differences and their practical implications.
Batman’s Dilemma
- Batman refuses to kill the Joker due to his strict moral code.
- He follows an absolute rule that killing is always wrong, regardless of the consequences.
- Despite Joker’s ongoing crimes, Batman believes crossing the line of killing would make him morally wrong.
Kantian Ethics
- Kantianism, from Immanuel Kant, insists on following moral rules with no exceptions.
- Moral actions are determined by intention and adherence to duty, not by outcomes.
- Batman’s no-killing rule is an example of Kantian ethics in practice.
Utilitarianism and Consequences
- Utilitarianism judges actions by their consequences, not intentions.
- Founded by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill; rooted in seeking happiness or pleasure and avoiding pain.
- The principle of utility says we should produce the greatest good for the greatest number.
- Utilitarianism is hedonistic (pursues pleasure) but not egoistic (not just about one’s own pleasure).
- Consideration should extend to all sentient beings equally.
Impartiality and Decision-Making
- Utilitarians recommend acting as a benevolent, impartial spectator to reduce personal bias in moral decisions.
- Moral decisions should not privilege oneself over others.
Moral Thought Experiments
- Bernard Williams' scenario: Should Jim kill one person to save nineteen? Utilitarianism says yes; Kantianism says no.
- The transplant case: Should a doctor kill one to save five? Act utilitarianism says yes, but this is seen as problematic.
Types of Utilitarianism
- Act Utilitarianism: Choose the action that maximizes good in each specific case, regardless of rules.
- Rule Utilitarianism: Follow rules that generally produce the most good, even if exceptions would produce better immediate outcomes.
- Rule utilitarianism helps avoid troubling outcomes, like justifying killing innocents for the majority’s benefit.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Kantianism — The ethical theory that morality is based on absolute rules and intentions, not consequences.
- Utilitarianism — The ethical theory that the morality of actions is determined by their consequences, specifically maximizing happiness.
- Principle of Utility — Guideline that actions should aim for the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
- Act Utilitarianism — The form of utilitarianism focused on the consequences of individual acts.
- Rule Utilitarianism — The form that advocates following rules which generally maximize utility.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare to study contractarianism in the next lecture.
- Review moral theories: Kantianism, act utilitarianism, and rule utilitarianism for upcoming discussions.