S3 - Ethics and law

Question 1

What are the three main principles of utilitarianism?

Answer 1

1. Act for the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people
2. Consider the consequences of all choices available to us.
   Pleasures must be more numerous than the sufferings stemming from our decisions (calculus of utility).
3. The utility of an act is measured by its consequences. Intentions are not important, consequences are.

Question 2

What are the links between ethics and law?

Answer 2

Ethical reflection influences the law, can even abolish or create new ones.

Question 3

What is a professional deontology code?

Answer 3

The set of rules that govern a profession in order to
1) protect the public;
2) protect the reputation of professionals, the profession.

• These rules are often listed in a code of deontology (code of professional conduct), which corresponds to a “professional moral” (back to our definitions)

Question 4

What is a code of ethics? What is the condition required to make it effective?

Answer 4

A text that describes the moral or civic values and principles that have been adopted by an organization to guide the reflections of individuals and groups in order to foster appropriate behaviours. Often accompanied by a system of sanctions.

Codes of ethics are only effective if employees perceive a real concern for organizational ethics on the part of managers and their actions are consistent with organizational discourse (not just for legal protection).

Question 5

Compare Bentham and Mill’s views on the true nature of humans.

Answer 5

Bentham: All humans are selfish. Humans are pleasure-seekers and pain-avoiders (they govern us), and ethical decisions are guided by this principle.

Mills: Full potential of humans. They are capable of a more refined and elevated understanding of happiness, beyond simple hedonism (higher pleasures). They don’t want to harm others.

Question 6

Compare Bentham and Mill’s views on pleasures.

Answer 6

Bentham: All pleasures are equal.

Mills: All pleasures are not equal. Higher and lower pleasures.

Question 7

Compare Bentham and Mill’s views on quantification.

Answer 7

Bentham: Everything is quantifiable (even human lives).

Mills: You can quantify things but they are higher (intellectual and moral) and lower pleasures than can influence this calculation. You need to consider the qualitative aspects of pleasures.

Question 8

Compare Bentham and Mill’s views on government interventions.

Answer 8

Bentham: Government interventions are ok when it contributes to the greatest overall happiness. Father of deontology; there should be rules for everything.

Mills: Ok but should be limited to preventing harm to others. Individual is sovereign over his own body and mind.

Question 9

What are the contributions and limits of utilitarianism?

Answer 9

Contributions:
- Maximize utility for the majority.
- Code of deontology (consequences for everything)

Limits:
- Quantifies happiness
- Ignores individual rights
- Lack of justice/equity