The burning building Flashcards
What ethical dilemma does Giles Fraser present regarding a burning building scenario?
Giles Fraser presents an ethical dilemma where an individual must choose between saving a child and rescuing an expensive painting from a burning building.
What is the initial response of most people when presented with the burning building scenario?
Most people’s initial response to the scenario would be to prioritize saving the child over rescuing the expensive painting.
How does utility-based ethics, such as Utilitarianism, approach the burning building scenario?
Utilitarianism suggests that the morally preferable action in the burning building scenario would be to save the expensive painting, as the proceeds from selling the painting could potentially save the lives of more individuals than rescuing the child.
What argument does Giles Fraser make regarding Utilitarianism and the burning building scenario?
Giles Fraser argues that prioritizing saving the painting over rescuing the child in the burning building scenario suggests a lack of sympathy for the child and implies that Utilitarianism encourages immoral behavior by valuing utility over compassion.
How does the burning building scenario challenge the principles of Utilitarianism?
The burning building scenario challenges Utilitarianism by highlighting a conflict between maximizing utility (saving more lives with the proceeds from selling the painting) and prioritizing compassion and empathy (rescuing the child in immediate danger).
How does William MacAskill respond to Giles Fraser’s argument regarding the burning building scenario?
William MacAskill responds
William MacAskill responds by suggesting that saving the expensive painting may indicate a more cultivated sympathy, as it enables individuals to connect with the needs of many more children elsewhere who could benefit from the resources generated by selling the painting.
What does MacAskill propose regarding the needs of the many children compared to the needs of the single child in the burning building scenario?
William MacAskill responds
MacAskill suggests that the needs of the many children elsewhere who could benefit from the resources generated by selling the painting may outweigh the immediate needs of the single child in the burning building.
How does MacAskill’s response challenge Fraser’s argument?
William MacAskill responds
MacAskill’s response challenges Fraser’s argument by reframing the scenario to consider the broader impact of resource allocation, suggesting that prioritizing the potential to save multiple lives through selling the painting demonstrates a more effective approach to addressing overall suffering.
What concept does MacAskill introduce regarding the response to the burning building scenario?
William MacAskill responds
MacAskill introduces the concept of cultivated sympathy, suggesting that individuals can develop a deeper understanding of and connection to the needs of others by considering the broader context and potential impact of their actions.
How does MacAskill’s response align with utilitarian principles?
William MacAskill responds
MacAskill’s response aligns with utilitarian principles by advocating for a consideration of the overall consequences of actions, emphasizing the potential to maximize utility (in this case, reducing suffering) by prioritizing the most effective allocation of resources.
What practical impediment to Utilitarianism is highlighted regarding human emotions?
Arguably it is practically impossible to expect people to act in the way utilitarianism wants
Human emotions, particularly empathy, are identified as a practical impediment to the implementation of Utilitarianism.
How does empathy pose a challenge to the implementation of Utilitarianism?
Arguably it is practically impossible to expect people to act in the way utilitarianism wants
Empathy can lead individuals to prioritize the immediate needs and well-being of others, even if it conflicts with the utilitarian principle of maximizing overall happiness or utility.
What role does empathy play in decision-making according to this argument?
Arguably it is practically impossible to expect people to act in the way utilitarianism wants
Empathy may influence decision-making by prompting individuals to prioritize the well-being of specific individuals or groups, potentially deviating from utilitarian calculations based solely on maximizing utility.
Why might implementing Utilitarianism be considered practically impossible according to this argument?
Arguably it is practically impossible to expect people to act in the way utilitarianism wants
The argument suggests that due to the influence of human emotions, particularly empathy, it may be practically impossible to expect people to consistently act in accordance with Utilitarian principles, even if they are theoretically acknowledged as correct.
How does the presence of human emotions, such as empathy, challenge the feasibility of Utilitarianism in practice?
Arguably it is practically impossible to expect people to act in the way utilitarianism wants
Human emotions, particularly empathy, may lead individuals to prioritize immediate emotional responses over calculated utilitarian considerations, making it challenging to implement Utilitarianism consistently in real-world decision-making scenarios.
