PHI 2396 Chapter Notes - Chapter 2: Cookie Monster
10 Jan 2018
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Document Summary
Similar to scienti c theories, must meet criteria of adequacy. Criteria 1: consistency with our considered moral judgements. Criteria 2: consistency with the facts of the moral life. Criteria 3: resourcefulness in moral problem -solving. Seems to pass criteria 2, moral life, because utilitarianism assumes that we can indeed make moral judgements, have moral disagreements, and be mistaken in our moral beliefs and provide reasons. Has been accused of lack of usefulness. Causes it to fail criteria 3 - its a poor guide because it demands too much of us. Has also been said to go against criteria 1. Sacri cing the few for the good of the many seems to be a concept that goes against the moral compass of many. There is a large portion of society who would not sacri ce 10 people to get the cure for a disease, but act-utilitarianism deems this to be appropriate.
