Ethics - What Should We Do?

You knew this was coming. A trolley is barreling down a track towards 5 people. You can pull a lever to switch it to a track with 1 person.

• Do you pull the lever? (Kill 1 to save 5).
• Do you do nothing? (Let 5 die to avoid "killing" anyone directly).

Welcome to Ethics.

Most moral arguments boil down to one of these three heavyweights:

1. Utilitarianism (Outcomes)

• The Vibe: "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few."
• Key Concept: Maximize happiness, minimize suffering. It's math.
• The Trap: If killing one innocent person saves 100 people, a strict Utilitarian says "Do it." Most people find this horrifying.

2. Deontology (Duty/Rules)

• The Vibe: "Some things are just wrong, period."
• Key Figure: Immanuel Kant.
• The Categorical Imperative: Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law. (Translation: Don't do it if you wouldn't want everyone to do it).
• The Trap: Lying is wrong. Therefore, if a murderer asks where your friend is hiding, you can't lie.

3. Virtue Ethics (Character)

• The Vibe: "Don't ask 'what should I do?', ask 'what kind of person should I be?'"
• Key Figure: Aristotle.
• Focus: Courage, Temperance, Wisdom. It's about building habits of character so that you naturally do the right thing.

• Relativism: "Morality is just cultural taste, like preferring tea over coffee."
• Realism: "Torturing babies is objectively wrong, regardless of what your culture thinks."

You have now completed Philosophy 101. You have the tools (Logic), you know the limits of what you can know (Epistemology), you've questioned reality (Metaphysics), and you've struggled with how to live (Ethics).

You are now officially qualified to be annoying at parties. Go forth and think.

1. The Website: The Good Place (TV Show)

• Surprisingly accurate and deeply funny crash course in moral philosophy.

2. The Book:

• "Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?" by Michael Sandel.
• A classic for a reason. Accessible and challenging.