PHILOSOPHY - Ethics: Utilitarianism, Part 1 [HD]

Summary

In this video, MIT philosophy professor Julia Markovits introduces utilitarianism, a moral theory stating that actions are morally right if they maximize happiness and minimize suffering. She explores how utilitarianism, historically championed by philosopher Jeremy Bentham, dictates that the right action is the one that generates the greatest net happiness. Markovits provides examples, like a medical dilemma involving scarce resources, to illustrate the theory. She also discusses how utilitarianism separates the idea of what is valuable from how we should act, sparking deeper reflection on the theory’s practical implications.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Utilitarianism is a moral theory focused on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering.
• 📜 Jeremy Bentham was a key figure in the popularization of utilitarianism in the late 18th century.
• 🌍 Bentham's ideas were socially progressive, advocating for economic liberalization, women's rights, and animal rights, among others.
• ⚖️ According to utilitarianism, the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest balance of happiness over suffering.
• 📚 Utilitarianism divides into two parts: a theory of what is valuable and a theory of right action.
• 😊 The only intrinsically valuable thing, according to utilitarianism, is happiness and the absence of suffering.
• 💊 A practical example: a doctor with limited medicine should prioritize saving the most lives to maximize happiness.
• 🛑 Utilitarianism doesn't allow exceptions; it applies universally to any moral decision.
• 🔍 The theory suggests actions should be evaluated based on their expected value in terms of happiness.
• 🤔 It's possible to accept parts of utilitarianism (e.g., what is valuable) without fully accepting its approach to right actions.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video presented by Julia Markovits?

The main topic of the video is utilitarianism, a moral theory that focuses on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering.

How does utilitarianism define morally permissible actions?

Utilitarianism defines morally permissible actions as those that produce at least as much net happiness as any other available action. The right action is the one that creates the greatest balance of happiness over suffering.

Who is a key historical figure associated with the development of utilitarianism?

Jeremy Bentham, a British philosopher, is a key historical figure associated with utilitarianism. He published 'An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation' in 1789, contributing significantly to its development.

What are the two main components of utilitarianism according to the script?

The two main components are: (1) A theory of what is valuable, which states that happiness and the absence of suffering are the only things inherently valuable, and (2) A theory of right action, which claims that the right action maximizes what is valuable.

Can you give an example of utilitarian decision-making from the video?

Yes, the example provided is a doctor with five doses of medicine and six patients. One patient, Needy, needs all five doses, while the other five can each survive with one dose. Utilitarianism would advise giving the medicine to the five patients to save more lives, thus maximizing happiness.

What are some rights that Jeremy Bentham defended, according to the video?

Jeremy Bentham defended many rights, including economic liberalization, freedom of expression, the separation of church and state, women's rights, animal rights, the right to divorce, the abolition of slavery and capital punishment, and the decriminalization of homosexual acts.

What makes Bentham's work on rights significant in the context of his time?

Bentham's work on rights was significant because he advocated for many issues that are now uncontroversial, but were ahead of his time in the late 18th century. His views reflected his commitment to utilitarian principles.

Is it possible to accept parts of utilitarianism without fully endorsing the theory?

Yes, it is possible to accept the utilitarian view of what is valuable (happiness and absence of suffering) without embracing its view on how we should act, and vice versa.

How does utilitarianism handle difficult moral decisions, such as the example of distributing medicine?

Utilitarianism handles difficult moral decisions by calculating which action will result in the greatest overall happiness. In the medicine example, it advises saving the five patients over the one because that action maximizes happiness and minimizes suffering.

Why does Julia Markovits find utilitarianism appealing as a moral theory?

Julia Markovits finds utilitarianism appealing because it offers a clear and straightforward way to make moral decisions, focusing on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering. She also appreciates its historical association with important social and political reforms.