The issue of partiality Flashcards
How does Utilitarianism approach ethical calculations regarding familial relationships?
Utilitarianism does not consider an individual’s emotional ties to their family or friends as relevant to ethical calculations, prioritizing actions that lead to the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
What example illustrates the conflict between Utilitarianism and familial relationships?
In a scenario where a parent must choose between saving their own child’s life or the lives of two random people, Utilitarianism would prioritize saving the two random people, as it maximizes overall happiness, even though most parents would instinctively prioritize their child.
How does Utilitarianism’s disregard for familial ties impact its ethical framework?
Utilitarianism’s disregard for familial ties may present a practical impediment to its implementation, as family relationships define much of our social existence and are often considered intuitively valuable.
What criticism does Utilitarianism face regarding its treatment of familial relationships?
Critics argue that Utilitarianism’s disregard for familial relationships undermines its moral framework, as family bonds are commonly perceived as inherently valuable and should be considered in ethical calculations.
How does the conflict between Utilitarianism and familial relationships impact its conceptual coherence?
The conflict between Utilitarianism and familial relationships raises questions about the ethical framework’s conceptual coherence, as it appears to overlook important aspects of human experience and social relationships in its calculations of moral goodness.
How did Mill respond to the conflict between Utilitarianism and familial relationships?
Mill tried to respond
Mill argued that since most people do not have the opportunity to help a multitude of people, it is morally acceptable to focus on helping those in our immediate lives, such as family and friends.
What rationale did Mill provide for prioritizing familial relationships in ethical decisions?
Mill tried to respond
Mill suggested that since individuals have limited capacity to impact the happiness of others, it is pragmatic and morally justifiable to prioritize helping those closest to us, such as family members, who we have stronger emotional ties and obligations towards.
How does Mill’s response reconcile Utilitarianism with the importance of familial relationships?
Mill tried to respond
Mill’s response acknowledges the practical limitations of individuals in influencing overall happiness and suggests that prioritizing familial relationships aligns with the utilitarian goal of maximizing happiness within the constraints of individual capabilities.
What implication does Mill’s response have for Utilitarianism’s ethical calculations?
Mill tried to respond
Mill’s response suggests that Utilitarianism should account for the practical realities of human existence, including the significance of familial relationships, when evaluating ethical decisions and maximizing overall happiness.
How does Mill’s response contribute to the adaptation of Utilitarianism to human social dynamics?
Mill tried to respond
Mill’s recognition of the importance of familial relationships within Utilitarianism reflects an acknowledgment of the complexities of human social dynamics and offers a more nuanced approach to ethical decision-making within the utilitarian framework.
What criticism is directed at Mill’s argument regarding the limited opportunity to help others?
Mill tried to respond HOWEVER
Critics argue that Mill’s argument is outdated in contemporary society due to the existence of extensive charitable organizations and opportunities for individuals to contribute to the well-being of others beyond their immediate social circles.
What argument does Peter Singer make regarding the value of family for happiness?
Peter Singer
Peter Singer argues that being brought up in a loving family is crucial for ensuring children grow up to be as happy as possible, citing experiments with children raised without parents as evidence of the importance of family in fostering happiness.
How does Singer suggest the exclusion of non-family members from consideration impacts happiness?
Peter Singer
Singer suggests that excluding non-family members from consideration may lead to decreased overall happiness, as individuals derive significant happiness from familial relationships and the absence of such relationships could result in unhappiness.
What implication does Singer’s argument have for ethical considerations?
Peter Singer
Singer’s argument suggests that the happiness derived from family relationships may outweigh the potential unhappiness caused by excluding non-family members from consideration in ethical calculations.
How does Singer’s argument relate to utilitarian principles?
Peter Singer
Singer’s argument aligns with utilitarian principles by highlighting the importance of maximizing overall happiness, suggesting that the happiness gained from familial relationships justifies prioritizing family members in ethical considerations.
