These lectures did a good job highlighting some of the issues with each ethical theory. I especially liked the particular examples used to illustrate the problems with utilitarianism (mainly, that it doesn’t reflect our view of the moral life, and that it is difficult to assign a monetary value for everything). I am still confused about John Stuart Mill’s distinction between higher and lower pleasures. In the example of Simpsons vs. Shakespeare, I don’t see a moral or ethical parallel with choosing Shakespeare over Simpsons for its supposed higher quality of pleasure. Also, his distinction requires one to try both to be able to have preference, which is often simply not possible in the real world. I also have problems with Kant’s doctrine, because there is no true way to assess someone else’s true motives, making it impossible to determine morality. Similarly, a bright student made the argument that someone could make the right decision simply because they want to be moral (which would still be using that person as a means, namely to make yourself more moral).
Rea, your observations are spot on. Mill does say that if you know both low and high pleasure, you'd choose the high. Clearly, that is quite controversial! His 'higher' pleasures probably reflected the tastes of the higher classes of his day.
Motives--part of the essence of Kant's ethical system--are, as you correctly point out, notoriously difficult to accurately assess. Note that his Categorical Imperative turns on Good Will, the only part of us that can be unconditionally good, which is distinct from motive. Ultimately, I think you are right that it is possible that many of us want to do good because we are rewarded (intrinsically or extrinsically) for it, not for its own sake.
In general we should be looking at the moral will behind an action to determine if it is right or wrong. Sometimes it is right to do wrong and wrong to do right if one must stick to such narrow definitions of right and wrong—for example if lying can help save lives, then lie! It's not so cut and dry, it always depends on facts. Our morals and how we act are derived from, and informed by, our consciousness around situations we face like poverty, hunger, genocides, bureaucratic corruption, racism, greed which also is instilled in us in our families. His views on moral life is that I am sticking to my religious beliefs. I will have to lean more before I make hard decision about different issues.
These lectures did an excellent job explaining the main points of each ethical theory. Episode six really helped me understand Kant’s ethical system and made writing the paper on Kant much easier. Watching the Michael Sandel lectures was very entertaining and beneficial to my understanding of ethics. The questions asked by the students also helped clarify difficult topics.
Many thanks for sharing such an interesting blog. Keep uploading. If any individual wishes to recognize more concerning oral treatment then visit Best health news website. They supply top quality treatment as well as the cost is very much less.
These lectures did a good job highlighting some of the issues with each ethical theory. I especially liked the particular examples used to illustrate the problems with utilitarianism (mainly, that it doesn’t reflect our view of the moral life, and that it is difficult to assign a monetary value for everything). I am still confused about John Stuart Mill’s distinction between higher and lower pleasures. In the example of Simpsons vs. Shakespeare, I don’t see a moral or ethical parallel with choosing Shakespeare over Simpsons for its supposed higher quality of pleasure. Also, his distinction requires one to try both to be able to have preference, which is often simply not possible in the real world.
ReplyDeleteI also have problems with Kant’s doctrine, because there is no true way to assess someone else’s true motives, making it impossible to determine morality. Similarly, a bright student made the argument that someone could make the right decision simply because they want to be moral (which would still be using that person as a means, namely to make yourself more moral).
Rea, your observations are spot on. Mill does say that if you know both low and high pleasure, you'd choose the high. Clearly, that is quite controversial! His 'higher' pleasures probably reflected the tastes of the higher classes of his day.
ReplyDeleteMotives--part of the essence of Kant's ethical system--are, as you correctly point out, notoriously difficult to accurately assess. Note that his Categorical Imperative turns on Good Will, the only part of us that can be unconditionally good, which is distinct from motive. Ultimately, I think you are right that it is possible that many of us want to do good because we are rewarded (intrinsically or extrinsically) for it, not for its own sake.
In general we should be looking at the moral will behind an action to determine if it is right or wrong. Sometimes it is right to do wrong and wrong to do right if one must stick to such narrow definitions of right and wrong—for example if lying can help save lives, then lie! It's not so cut and dry, it always depends on facts. Our morals and how we act are derived from, and informed by, our consciousness around situations we face like poverty, hunger, genocides, bureaucratic corruption, racism, greed which also is instilled in us in our families. His views on moral life is that I am sticking to my religious beliefs. I will have to lean more before I make hard decision about different issues.
ReplyDeleteThese lectures did an excellent job explaining the main points of each ethical theory. Episode six really helped me understand Kant’s ethical system and made writing the paper on Kant much easier. Watching the Michael Sandel lectures was very entertaining and beneficial to my understanding of ethics. The questions asked by the students also helped clarify difficult topics.
ReplyDeleteFriendly and quick. For a person who hated going to the dentist I am not dreading my next cleaning!
ReplyDeletepainless root canal treatment in madipakkam
Many thanks for sharing such an interesting blog. Keep uploading. If any individual wishes to recognize more concerning oral treatment then visit Best health news website. They supply top quality treatment as well as the cost is very much less.
ReplyDelete