Question:
1. Develop your own version of utilitarian theory. Make it as precise and defensible as possible. You will need to specify:
o Whose utility is to count? (all humans equally? give more weight to our nearest anddearest? what about non-human animals?)
o What value is to be maximized? preferences? pluralist?)
o Whether to pursue it directly or indirectly? (act vs. rule?)
Explain why you develop your theory in this way. Then try to defend it against several of the most common objections to utilitarianism. Finally, consider whether your best possible version of the theory is morally adequate. Why or why not? (Unit 3)
Here are some resources you can use. (Please only use resource that provided)
BOOK RESOURCE:
Beauchamp, Tom, and Norman Bowie (1997), “Ethical Theory and Business Practice,” from Ethical Theory and Business, 5th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall, p.19-35.
Carroll, Archie (1996), “Principles of Business Ethics: Their Role in Decision-Making,” from Annual Editions: Business Ethics 95/96, Dushkin Publishing Group, p.13-17.
FILM REDOURCE:
• Does the End Justify the Means?
30 min, 1998
Series: The Examined Life – Episode # 19
Synopsis: Examines how utilitarianism, as conceived by Jeremy Bentham, considers ethical questions, by looking at a massive dam project being built deep in the rainforest of Borneo in Malaysia. The dam will destroy traditional cultures and economies and wildlife habitats, but will also benefit the greater population of Malaysia. Emphasizes the importance of consequences of actions and also discusses what is intrinsically valuable, the value of nature and the deep ecology movement.
• Can Rules Define Morality?
30 min, 1998
Series: The Examined Life – Episode # 20
Synopsis: Addresses rights-based theories of ethics, particularly that of Immanuel Kant, and explores some of the implications of his views for particular issues in ethics.
Web Readings & Web Resources;
• Utilitarianism (various resources)
http://www.utilitarianism.com
• J.S Mill, Utilitarianism, ch.2
http://www.utilitarianism.com/mill2.htm
• David Pearce, Brave New World? A Defense of Paradise Engineering
http://www.huxley.net
• W.D. Ross=s Moral Theory
http://www.hu.mtu.edu/~tlockha/hu329ov8.htm
• A Simple Ethical Theory Based on W.D. Ross
http://www.wku.edu/~jan.garrett/ethics/rossethc.htm
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