You are on page 1of 9

Part 2

Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism
• Form of consequentialist reasoning
• The moral choice is the course of action that produces
more good consequences than harmful ones
• Maximising utility
• Happiness
• Well-being
• Etc

What are the advantages?


Disadvantages
1. Are all goods commensurable?

2. Are their higher or lower pleasures?

3. What about objectionable pleasures?

4. What about minorities?


Some disadvantages
Phillip Morris

Costs Benefits
Increased health care Tax Revenue from Cigarettes
Health Care Savings
Pension Savings
Savings in Housing Costs
Net gain of S147 million
Ford Pinto case in 1970’s
Small car – compact – fuel
tank at the back.
Ford knew about the faults

Costs Benefits
$11 per part, for every car 180 deaths x $200000
12.5 million cars 180 injuries x $67000
$137 million 2000 vehicles x $700
$49.5 million
Ethical Relativism
Emerges out of an awareness of diverse cultures

The fact of cultural diversity leads to a belief in


ethical relativity

Culture determines values – when in Rome

More extreme version – I determine my values


Ethical Relativism
What are the advantages?
Ethical Relativism
What are the disadvantages?

You might also like