Utility Maximization Class Exercise

A class exercise accompanying Rachels' Elements of Moral Philosophy, or for general use to illustrate common examples of utility-informed decision-making that are morally problematic.

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Utility Maximization Class Exercise

A class exercise accompanying Rachels' Elements of Moral Philosophy, or for general use to illustrate common examples of utility-informed decision-making that are morally problematic.

Uploaded by

johnfrye3

Available Formats

Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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The book defines utilitarianism as the greatest happiness for the greatest number of individuals, or maximizing the total

happiness in the world. If any action has greater happiness for all individuals (not treating anyone special), then that action is good, regardless of what it is. Only the consequences matter, not the act itself. The examples used include euthanasia, mari uana, and non!human animals that can feel happiness. "achels seems to think a lot of this theory (he devotes two chapters to it). #s an in!class activity that will count as $% points (five points for an argument analysis homework, five points for a &uiz), please form groups of ', and for each of the following scenarios, answer three &uestions( ($) write the utilitarian argument in #)*+ form, (,) explain what -./ think is the right thing to do, (0) why do you think your position is right1 -ou must work within the facts as they are given to you. 2lease return them to my box in the philosophy department when class is over. 3roup members present( 44444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 4444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444444 $. Who to save (1)? -ou are a firefighter responding to a call in a 0 story science lab. Through a mix! up, you are the only one in your group to make it to the third floor5 there you find two persons. .ne is a brilliant scientist you recognize from the news, who is almost certain to find a cure for cancer in the next year (and no one else will for another ,% years if she dies)5 the other is your mother. -ou only have the ability to save one, and the other will almost certainly die of the fire before anyone else can save them. 6hat does utilitarianism say to do, what do you do, and why1

,. Who to save (2)?( #t a different fire, the same mix!up happens, but now instead of your mother and a scientist, the room has an old homeless woman that an 78T in your s&uad treated a couple weeks ago5 you know she is dying of cancer (which still has not been cured), will die within a matter of days or weeks, and has no family or friends who care about her. )efore you lift her out, you notice a $ year old golden retriever that has been knocked out by the smoke fumes5 a &uick check reveals it is otherwise healthy and will love a long life if it does not die in the fire first. In fact, you have a neighbor who would give this dog a very happy home if given the chance. #gain, you only have the ability to save one, and the other will almost certainly die. 6hat does utilitarianism say to do, what do you do, and why1

0. Money choices. -ou are walking down the street, and see something blowing around on the sidewalk. -ou go to pick it up, and find it is a 9:% bill. -ou wait a while, but no one appears to claim it. 6ith that money you could by yourself or a family member a nice meal, a present, a few months of streaming tv service, many happy things. #s you start making plans, you see a charity booth set up, which says that 9:% is how much it costs to save a child;s life in #frica, by providing clean water and antibiotics. That child would then grow to be a happy, healthy adult. -ou have heard of this charity, and know its claims are accurate. 6hat does utilitarianism say to do, what do you do, and why1 #lso, is this different from if you happened to see the same charity booth (or a commercial for the charity) while you have 9:% in your pocket, or in your checking account1

4 !he "appiness #rug. # drug has been developed that increases a person;s sub ective happiness and makes them unable to feel sadness, grief, or suffering. Testing of the drug in various cities reveals that the persons who take it get a large benefit of total happiness, and the persons who do not gain small benefits of living with mostly happy persons. It is a win!win. )ut as a side!effect, you can no longer feel sad about things like your favourite team losing, your significant other breaking up with you, or a family member dying. -ou can no longer feel shame, disappointment, or desolation, no matter what happens. -ou also will always know that your happiness is due to a drug, but that knowledge will not bother you once you start taking it. #lready enough drug stockpiles have been assembled to last through your lifetime. <ome people you know and admire take the drug, others choose not to. 6hat does utilitarianism say to do, what do you do, and why1