Michael Schur: Is There a Universal Ethic?

Summary

This video explores the complexity of ethics and whether there exists a universal standard that everyone follows. It discusses the different ethical theories, such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and Kantian ethics, highlighting their varying conclusions in moral dilemmas. The speaker references philosopher Derek Parfitt's attempt to unify these theories into one universal ethical framework, though ultimately suggesting that the key is not finding a universal standard but rather the shared effort to engage with ethics thoughtfully. The emphasis is on the pursuit of ethical reasoning and the intention behind decision-making, aiming for beneficial outcomes rather than harmful ones.

Takeaways

• 😀 Different ethical theories can lead to different conclusions about what is right and wrong.
• 😀 Derek Parfitt, a renowned philosopher, believed in a universal ethics and spent his life writing about it, producing a 2500-page book.
• 😀 Parfitt compared different ethical theories to climbers on the same mountain but coming from different cliff faces (e.g., utilitarians, Aristotelians, Kantians).
• 😀 Parfitt believed that all these ethical theories could be unified into one giant theory, though he did not have the final answer.
• 😀 Ethics isn't about finding a single universal answer, but about the striving to understand and apply ethical principles.
• 😀 Even though different people might come to different conclusions, there will still be a general consensus on not supporting actions like murder.
• 😀 The importance lies in the process of trying to apply an ethical theory, even if it leads to different viewpoints or debates.
• 😀 As long as people understand and care about ethics, they will generally make decisions that are beneficial rather than detrimental.
• 😀 Ethics can be seen as a conversation, with people discussing different views while striving for common moral ground.
• 😀 While universal ethics may be difficult to pinpoint, the shared value of striving toward ethical decisions unites people with different views.

Q & A

What is the central question addressed in the transcript?

The central question addressed is whether there is a universal standard of ethics that everyone follows, and how different ethical theories might approach moral issues differently.

How does Derek Parfit contribute to the discussion of universal ethics?

Derek Parfit is mentioned as having explored the possibility of a universal ethics. He spent his life writing a 2500-page book to explain this, believing that various ethical theories could be unified into one overarching theory.

What metaphor does Parfit use to describe different ethical theories?

Parfit uses the metaphor of people climbing a mountain from different cliff faces, with each ethical theory representing a different path up the mountain, such as utilitarianism, virtue ethics, and deontology.

What does the speaker think about the possibility of unifying all ethical theories into one?

The speaker expresses doubt about the feasibility of unifying all ethical theories into one theory, acknowledging Parfit’s efforts but suggesting that if he couldn’t figure it out, it would be unlikely for anyone else to do so.

What does the speaker believe is more important than finding a universal ethics?

The speaker believes that what truly matters is not finding a universal standard of ethics but engaging in meaningful discussions about ethics with a shared understanding of moral principles, which can lead to beneficial decisions.

How does the speaker define the role of ethical discussion in decision-making?

The speaker suggests that, while different ethical frameworks may lead to different conclusions, as long as people involved in the discussion share a commitment to ethics, they will be able to make decisions that are generally beneficial, even if they debate which approach is the best.

How does the speaker address the potential for moral disagreement in ethical theories?

The speaker acknowledges that different ethical theories might lead to different conclusions, but reassures that these disagreements won’t be wildly divergent, as most ethical frameworks will still reject extreme actions like murder.

What does the speaker imply about the importance of the 'attempt' in ethical decision-making?

The speaker emphasizes that the important thing is the attempt to engage with ethical reasoning—whether striving for virtue, creating deontological maxims, or maximizing happiness. The effort to engage in moral reasoning is what ensures beneficial outcomes.

How does the speaker view ethics in relation to practical moral decisions?

The speaker views ethics as a practical tool for navigating moral dilemmas, where even if people have slightly different ideas about what is right, the shared commitment to ethics will allow them to reach solutions that promote good outcomes.

What is the role of virtue ethics, deontology, and utilitarianism in the discussion?

Virtue ethics, deontology, and utilitarianism are all mentioned as examples of different ethical approaches that may lead to different conclusions, but they share the common goal of guiding moral behavior. These theories represent different 'paths' up the metaphorical mountain Parfit describes.