Paul Maverick B. Ward                                                                                      

 

Contemporary Moral Problems by James E. White (7^th Edition)

Library Reference: none

Amazon Link: http://www.amazon.com/Contemporary-Moral-Problems-James-White/dp/0495553204/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1233910528&sr=1-1

 

 

Learning Expectations:

 

I expect to learn about the connection of happiness and consequences in performing a Utilitarian decision compared to others. I also expect to learn why other people prefer happiness over consequences.

 

Review:

 

            There are a lot of things for a person to go for a Utilitarian decision or morality. One of which is how much happiness that person would acquire from doing so. The happiness that would be gained will determine the weight of the decision whether or not it is good or bad. The decision which is solely based on happiness differs from one person to another. Each person has his/her own wants and needs as well as principles in life.

Whatever the decision may be, it is up to the ethical views of the person on whether or not the decision would be positive or negative. People would base their decision whether or not they would gain happiness at the start or at the end of the decision. Happiness sometimes poisons the mind of other people which contradicts to others. As mentioned earlier, every person has his/her own principles in life and ethical views. The happiness that a certain person would get from a decision would be dependent on his/her life experiences.

On the other hand, there are the consequences for the actions or decision selected. The consequences would also determine on whether or not a person would push through with a decision. A person can also determine how much happiness he/she would get from the consequences of the action. There are times where a person would enter a decision on which that person would obtain some happiness at the end of the decision or situation. Whether or not the decision is beneficial to others or for him only, it would be up to the ethics of that person.

Overall, people who undergo Utilitarianism would first think about these two. Happiness and Consequences would be the gauge on which the person would continue with the decision. Will that person get a lot more happiness with the decision or with the consequences that that person would obtain.

 

Lessons Learned:

 

I have learned what the connection between happiness and consequences in performing a Utilitarian decision is. It is bounded together of which a person could use to make a firm decision. I also learned why other people would choose to be happy rather than being fearful about the consequences.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Integrative Questions:

 

1.  Who is James Rachels?
2.  What does he thinks about Utilitarianism?
3.  What is the difference between happiness and consequences?
4.  What is the relationship between the two?
5.  How does Utilitarianism affect the way people live?

 

 

Review Questions:

 

1. Rachels says that classical utilitarianism can be summed up in three propositions. What are they?

-       First, actions are to be judged right or wrong solely in virtue of their consequences.

-       Second, in assessing consequences, the only thing that matters is the amount of happiness or unhappiness that is caused.

-       Third, in calculating the happiness or unhappiness that will be caused, no one’s happiness is to be counted as more important than anyone else’s.

 

2. Explain the problem with hedonism. How do defenders of utilitarianism respond to this problem?

-       It is a perennially popular theory that goes back at least as far as the ancient Greeks. It is simple and expresses the intuitively plausible notion that things are good or bad only on account of the way they make us feel.

 

3. What are the objections about justice, rights, and promises?

-       It shows happiness in way that people use it to take over others.

 

4. Distinguish between rule- and act-utilitarianism. How does rule-utilitarianism reply to the objections?

-       Rule-utilitarianism are actions which refutes some rules that will lead to happiness while act-utilitarianism gives happiness to a person which is accounted with the right action done.

  

5. What is the third line of defense?

-       Act-Utilitarianism.

 

Discussion Questions:

 

1. Smart’s defense of utilitarianism is to reject common moral beliefs when they conflict with utilitarianism. Is this acceptable to you or not? Explain your answer.

-       No because we all have our own preferences and beliefs in life.

 

2. A utilitarian is supposed to give moral consideration to all concerned. Who must be considered? What about nonhuman animals? How about lakes and streams?

-       As far as I know, everything in this world should be respected and be given consideration within a certain situation.

 

3. Rachels claims that merit should be given moral consideration independent of utility. Do you agree?

-       Yup.