Lecture Notes: Moral Philosophy and Consistency

Importance of Consistency in Moral Beliefs

• Claim: Never kill a human being, with potential exceptions
• Underlying Idea: Importance of consistent beliefs
• Goal: Develop logically coherent and consistent moral standards
  • Standard should apply universally to all questions

Logical Consistency

• If something is inconsistent, it undermines the entire system
• Example: Claiming never to kill but having exceptions implies another belief system
• Conclusion: All rules in a moral system must be consistent

Logical Coherence

• Definition: Premise-premise-conclusion model (syllogism)
• Example: Never kill unless threatened. Joe threatens Susan; Susan can kill Joe
• Moral System: Must be logically coherent and universally applicable

Visceral Reactions vs Rigorous Justifications

• Two initial responses to moral questions:
  1. Immediate visceral reaction
  2. Group consensus (what answer aligns with my group)
• Issue: Lack of rigorous evaluation for most people
• Goal: Develop an internal system for generating moral answers

Defining Goodness

• Problem: Good is an ill-defined concept, no objective answer
• Personal Definition: Internal Happiness (IH)
• Aim: Maximize and fulfill own internal happiness
• Human Dependency: Need others to fulfill happiness (e.g., food, shelter, friendship)

The Social Contract

• Assumption: Everyone tries to satisfy internal preferences (IH)
• Mechanism: Exchange of value/happiness between people
  • Outcome: Higher collective happiness
• Rules of Engagement: Must respect others' rights to maximize mutual happiness

Rule Utilitarianism

• Objective: Craft rules that maximize happiness for all
• Example Rule: No stealing without provocation
  • Enhances overall happiness and stability

Justifications and Exceptions

• Provocation: Justifiable reasons for actions (e.g., taxes)
• Application: Consistent application of rules across society
• Self-Defense: Robust argument
  • Right to protect oneself and property when others aggress
  • Obligation to warn potential aggressors

Applied Level - Real-World Implications

• Importance of security and property
• Right to defend property if someone threatens or attacks
• Morality of children and mentally impaired as non-agents

Rapid Response to Moral Queries

• Coherent system allows quick answers to complex moral questions
• Key Aspects: Consistency, logical coherence, reciprocal value exchange

Clarification on Moral Framework

• No belief in objective morality
• Morality centered on respect for internal happiness
• Actions against this system warrant defense

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Discussion on Theoretical Scenarios

• Hypothetical scenarios presented to explore moral limits and practical applications
• Example: Defending property vs letting it be destroyed
• Outcome: Defending property (even minor) with lethal force justified if properly notified

Conclusion

• Moral philosophy requires a consistent and logically coherent system
• Practical implications must align with underlying moral principles
• Quick, clear resolution of moral dilemmas essential for robust moral framework