Utilitarianism: Crash Course Philosophy #36

Should Batman Kill the Joker?

In this video, the ethical dilemma of whether Batman should kill the Joker is explored. The perspectives of Kantianism and utilitarianism are discussed in relation to Batman's moral code.

Batman's No-Killing Rule (Kantian Ethics)

• Batman adheres to a strict no-killing rule, considering it morally wrong.

• Regardless of the Joker's actions, Batman believes there are lines good people should not cross.

• Killing falls on the wrong side of that line for Batman.

The Joker's Continuous Killing

• The Joker is unlikely to stop killing even if captured by Batman.

• Despite being repeatedly apprehended, the Joker always manages to escape and resume his violent acts.

• This raises questions about whether some responsibility lies with Batman for not eliminating the threat permanently.

Kantian Ethics: Absolute Moral Rules

• Kantianism, based on Immanuel Kant's philosophy, emphasizes sticking to moral rules without exceptions or excuses.

• Batman tries his best to adhere to his moral code consistently.

Utilitarianism: Consequences Matter

• Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions rather than intentions.

• Actions are evaluated based on their ability to produce happiness or pleasure.

• Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill contributed to modern utilitarianism, which measures actions in terms of their impact on happiness.

Happiness as the Ultimate Goal

• Happiness is considered our ultimate end; everything else we do is aimed at achieving it.

• Utilitarians argue that morality should be driven by seeking pleasure and happiness while avoiding pain.

• Our desires ultimately stem from wanting what makes us happy.

Principle of Utility: Greatest Good for Greatest Number

• Utilitarianism follows the principle of utility, which states that actions should aim to produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

• Sometimes, this may require sacrificing personal pleasure for the overall benefit.

Balancing Self-Interest and Altruism

• Utilitarianism is not egoistic; it promotes pursuing pleasure and happiness for as many sentient beings as possible.

• While self-interest is important, everyone's interests are considered equally valuable in moral decision-making.

Taking a Benevolent Spectator Perspective

• Utilitarians suggest making moral decisions from the viewpoint of a benevolent, disinterested spectator.

• This helps overcome biases towards our own interests and consider the broader impact of our actions.

Utilitarianism and Moral Theory

In this section, we explore utilitarianism as a moral theory and discuss the concept of utility. We also examine the difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism.

Utilitarianism Put to the Test

• British philosopher Bernard Williams presents a thought experiment where Jim is faced with a moral dilemma.

• Jim has the choice to shoot one prisoner to save the lives of 19 others or refuse, resulting in all 20 protesters being executed.

• This case serves as a critique of utilitarianism, as it demands the taking of an innocent life.

• Williams argues that no moral theory should require the killing of an innocent person.

Demands of Utilitarianism

• Utilitarianism is a demanding moral theory that requires individuals to take action when they can make things better, even if it means getting their hands dirty.

• Jim's decision should be seen as saving 19 lives rather than killing one man who was already condemned to die.

Act Utilitarianism vs Rule Utilitarianism

• Act utilitarianism states that in any given situation, one should choose the action that produces the greatest good for the greatest number.

• However, sometimes acts that maximize utility may seem morally wrong.

• Rule utilitarianism suggests living by rules that generally lead to the greatest good for the greatest number in order to maximize long-term utility on a larger scale.

Conclusion

• Utilitarians have options between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism when following this moral theory.

• Act utilitarianism focuses on maximizing utility in each situation, while rule utilitarianism emphasizes following rules that maximize utility over time.

• Next, we will explore another moral theory called contractarianism.