PHIL 2525 Contemporary Moral Issues

Lec 14: Are There Absolute Moral Rules? PHIL 2525 Contemporary Moral Issues

Two-tier Utilitarianism

Are There Absolute Moral Rules? • Yes, according to the Divine Command theorists... • No, according to the Utilitarians... • What do you think? • What does Kant think?

8.1 Harry Truman and Elizabeth Anscombe • Truman: the end justifies the means... • Anscombe: there are some things that may not be done, no matter what...

Hiroshima and Nagasaki • Hiroshima: 70,000 died immediately. By the end of the year, another 30,000 to 60,000 died from burns and radiation poisoning.... • Nagasaki: immediate 40,000 to 70,000 dead- by end of year - another 10,000 or 20,000 dead

Hiroshima and Nagasaki • Hiroshima: 70,000 died immediately. By the end of the year, another 30,000 to 60,000 died from burns and radiation poisoning.... • Nagasaki: immediate 40,000 to 70,000 dead- end of year - another 10,000 or 20,000

Elizabeth Anscombe.... • It does not matter if we could accomplish some great good by boiling a baby.....it just must not be done...

8.2 The Categorical Imperative • Imperative: a command or order • Categorical: without qualification • Duty-defined morality.... • No exceptions....

8.2 The Categorical Imperative • According to Kant, we must ignore the consequences because they tempt us away from our duty. Our Reason tells us what is the right thing to do. We musn’t let our emotions (fear and desire) fudge the line....

8.2 The Categorical Imperative • Hypothetical imperative......if you want this result, you should do this.... • Categorical imperative......you should do this (irregardless of your wants....)

The Categorical Imperative: • Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. • Maxim: a sentence giving a general truth or rule of conduct

Shift in terminology.... • consequentialist: "good", "bad", "value” • deontological: "right", "wrong", "duty"

8.3 Absolute Rules and the Duty not to lie... • Inquiring Murderer Case • If he asks you where his intended victim is...

Kant and the Golden Rule? • Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

8.4 Conflicts between Rules • if two rules can ever come into conflict, they can't both be absolute... • The case of the Dutch Fishermen...

8.5 Another Look at Kant’s Basic Idea • Moral judgments must be backed by consistent (impartially applicable) reasons.

8.5 Another Look at Kant’s Basic Idea • Moral judgments must be backed by consistent (impartially applicable) reasons. • Key implications

8.5 Another Look at Kant’s Basic Idea • Moral judgments must be backed by consistent (impartially applicable) reasons. • Key implications • This doesn't require absolute rules (Rachels)

Returning to Truman’s Decision...

PHIL 2525 Contemporary Moral Issues