O Utility, O Utility, What Crimes Are Committed in Thy Name---On the Conflict between Utilitarianism and Rules of Commonsense Morality
Date Issued
2005
Date
2005
Author(s)
Tsu, Shiu-Hwa
DOI
zh-TW
Abstract
Many critics of utilitarianism claim that it would condone killing, stealing, robbing, and breaking promises whenever these actions are found to be expedient for the promotion of maximal happiness. It seems that utilitarianism does not take our commonsensical moral rules seriously enough. This charge is a serious one that threatens the plausibility of utilitarianism. In my research, I will argue that utilitarianism, contrary to its critics’ (mis)conception, has theoretical resources to take full account of commonsensical moral rules. I defend this thesis by distinguishing three types of utilitarianism: act-utilitarianism, rule-utilitarianism, and Hare’s two-level theory.
Act-utilitarianism maintains that the agent is morally required to promote happiness. While it has a noble goal to achieve, it may indeed prescribe abhorrent actions whenever they are necessary for the realization of maximal happiness. In short, it may run afoul of commonsensical moral rules. In contrast, rule-utilitarianism insists that the commonsensical moral rules must be strictly followed by all means. Although this position might seem to be a merit to rule-utilitarianism, it has its flipside. Abandoning the pursuit of the maximal happiness for the preservation of commonsensical moral rules, it smacks of rule-worship and seems to contradict the welfare-promoting purpose of morality. Hare’s two level theory serves as a remedy for the defect of rule-utilitarianism. It maintains that while the commonsensical moral rules must be adhered to in most situations, they are never sacred and inviolable in a way rule-utilitarianism claims them to be. My research investigates how Hare’s two-level theory is to be distinguished from both act-utilitarianism and rule-utilitarianism and how it can fully accommodate commonsensical moral rules. It is original research in the sense that a new perspective on Hare’s two-level theory is provided to offer a solution to a long-standing problem that plagues utilitarianism.
Subjects
道德
日常道德規則
效益
效益主義
幸福
morality
utility
utilitarianism
happiness
commonsensical moral rules
SDGs
Type
thesis
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