Question 1

Discuss whether it is acceptable to lie if it eases suffering.

Accepted Answer

The question of whether it is acceptable to lie if it eases suffering is a complex ethical dilemma. On one hand, lying is generally considered to be morally wrong as it involves deception and dishonesty. However, in certain situations, such as when someone is experiencing extreme suffering, the decision to lie may be seen as a compassionate and empathetic act.

In the field of medical ethics, for example, healthcare professionals may sometimes choose to withhold the full truth from a terminally ill patient in order to alleviate their distress and maintain their sense of hope. This is known as "therapeutic privilege" and is based on the belief that the emotional well-being of the patient is just as important as their physical well-being.

On the other hand, lying can also have negative consequences, such as eroding trust and undermining the autonomy of the person being lied to. It can also lead to a slippery slope where lying becomes justified in other situations where it may not be morally acceptable.

Ultimately, the acceptability of lying to ease suffering is a subjective and context-dependent issue. It is important to carefully consider the potential consequences of both telling the truth and lying, and to prioritize the well-being and autonomy of the person who is suffering. In some cases, alternative approaches such as providing emotional support, offering comfort, and finding ways to alleviate suffering without resorting to deception may be more ethically sound. Each situation should be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the specific circumstances and the well-being of all involved.

Question 2

What is the difference between intrinsic and instrumental reasoning? Give an example.

Accepted Answer

Intrinsic reasoning refers to the process of making decisions based on internal values, beliefs, and principles. This type of reasoning focuses on the inherent worth or importance of an action or decision, rather than its external consequences. In contrast, instrumental reasoning involves making decisions based on the potential outcomes or benefits that result from a particular action.

An example of intrinsic reasoning would be a person choosing to donate to a charity because they believe in the cause and want to make a positive impact, regardless of any personal gain. On the other hand, an example of instrumental reasoning would be a person choosing to invest in a particular stock because they believe it will yield a high financial return, rather than because they support the company's values or mission.

In summary, the difference between intrinsic and instrumental reasoning lies in the motivation behind the decision-making process – intrinsic reasoning is driven by internal values and beliefs, while instrumental reasoning is driven by external outcomes or benefits.

Question 3

Differentiate between a consequentialist and a utilitarian theory. Will Niccolò Machiavelli's theory be regarded as consequentialist or utilitarian?

Accepted Answer

Consequentialism is a moral theory that evaluates the morality of an action based on its consequences. Utilitarianism is a specific form of consequentialism that holds that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure and minimizes suffering for the greatest number of people.

Niccolò Machiavelli's theory, as outlined in his work "The Prince," would be regarded as consequentialist. Machiavelli's theory focuses on the outcomes and consequences of actions, rather than the inherent morality of the actions themselves. He famously argued that the ends justify the means, and that a ruler should do whatever is necessary to maintain power and stability, even if it means acting immorally. This aligns with the consequentialist approach, as it prioritizes the outcomes of actions over the actions themselves. However, Machiavelli's theory is not necessarily utilitarian, as it does not specifically prioritize the overall happiness or pleasure of the greatest number of people. Instead, it prioritizes the stability and power of the ruler or state.

Question 4

What is Jeremy Bentham's "hedonistic calculus"? What might this device tell us about the Age of Reason and the type of arguments that would be considered important in such an age? Give an example of how to use the calculus.

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Question 5

Explain the paradox of hedonism.

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Question 6

In the movie Purge, on a specific date every year, all violence is allowed. The (supposed) benefit from the orgy of violence is that for the other 364 days of the year, life is peaceful and productive with no violent crimes. The majority benefits through the painful, terrifying deaths of a minority of the population. Discuss whether the killing of a few people under ritual circumstances provides benefits. Even if it somehow did, would it be the right thing to do?

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Question 7

Why does Jeremy Bentham refuse to distinguish between the choice of going to the opera and drinking gin? What do you think would be the opinion of John Stuart Mill in this scenario?

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Question 8

What were some of the points of Jeremy Bentham's moral theory that John Stuart Mill reconsidered in his formulation of utilitarianism?

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Question 9

According to John Stuart Mill, how can we make a decision without knowing the consequences? Explain and discuss.

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Question 10

What is the harm principle? Explain with an example.

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Question 11

Explain the general idea of the naturalistic fallacy and how it relates to utilitarianism.

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Question 12

What constitutes (and what does not constitute) "harm" for John Stuart Mill? How might this relate to the debate about freedom of speech?

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Question 13

Critics of the harm principle sometimes argue that the line between direct and indirect harm is blurred. Discuss this and illustrate their point with an example.

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Question 14

How would a utilitarian respond to the suggestion that alien beings would be allowed to abduct involuntary human subjects for lethal medical experiments provided that they give humanity a cure for all viral diseases, including AIDS? Evaluate the answer from the standpoint of an act utilitarian and a rule utilitarian.

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Question 15

Evaluate the following statement from a utilitarian point of view: "Tests are causing suffering to students, and professors always complain about having to grade tests, so tests should be abolished."

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Question 16

Evaluate Descartes's theory that only those beings with minds can suffer, and only human beings have minds. Explore the possible consequences for a moral theory if we agree that animals, including human beings, have the capacity for suffering.

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Question 17

Do you agree with John Stuart Mill that "A being of higher faculties requires more to make him happy . . . than one of an inferior type"? What does Mill mean by "inferior"?

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Question 18

If you were a citizen of Omelas and were shown the child in captivity, would you stay and accept the lesson about the price of happiness, or would you walk away from Omelas? Explain.

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Question 19

Do you find John Stuart Mill's harm principle attractive or problematic? Explain why. Discuss the application of the harm principle to one of the following issues: drug laws, helmet laws, or prostitution.

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Question 20

Discuss the permissibility of torture with respect to the utilitarian approach. Do you agree? Why or why not?

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Quiz 5: Using Your Reason, Part 1: Utilitarianism