Справедливість. Лекція 4. Як виміряти насолоду. Майкл Сендел

Exploring Utilitarianism and Its Critiques

Introduction to the Discussion

• The lecture is translated by Oleksandr Fodienko, with financial support from Volodymyr Lisivka. It focuses on the fourth episode of a series discussing utilitarianism, particularly Jeremy Bentham's version.

• Previous discussions highlighted two main objections against Bentham's utilitarianism, specifically regarding its respect for individual rights.

Torture and Terrorism Debate

• A hypothetical scenario is presented involving a terrorism suspect detained on September 10, 2001, who may possess critical information about an impending attack.

• The moral dilemma posed: Is it justifiable to torture the suspect for information? This raises questions about the categorical obligation to respect individual rights.

Value Measurement in Utilitarianism

• The discussion revisits earlier examples related to cost-benefit analysis but highlights dissatisfaction with quantifying human life in monetary terms.

• A key question emerges: Can all values be compared or converted into a single unit of measurement?

Personal Anecdote on Gender Rules

• An anecdote from the speaker’s university experience illustrates challenges in translating values into utilitarian terms, focusing on gender-specific college rules.

• In the late 1970s, debates arose over relaxing rules prohibiting male overnight guests at women's colleges, reflecting changing societal norms.

Arguments Against Utilitarian Comparisons

• Traditionalists argued that allowing male guests would increase costs for the college due to additional maintenance needs.

• Reformers proposed a compromise allowing limited overnight visits if guests contributed financially, leading to media sensationalism around "50 cents per night" headlines.

Critique of Value Homogeneity

• This example serves as an illustration of the second objection against utilitarianism: questioning whether all values can be treated as homogeneous and comparable.

• Another concern arises regarding how preferences are weighed without assessing their inherent quality—shouldn't we distinguish between higher and lower pleasures?

Distinction Between Types of Pleasures

• Bentham's followers argue that all preferences should be considered equally; however, this approach neglects qualitative differences among pleasures.

• Bentham famously stated that "pushpin is as good as poetry," suggesting no objective basis for ranking pleasures beyond intensity and duration.

Subjectivity in Pleasure Assessment

• The appeal of not judging different types of pleasure raises questions about subjective experiences—who determines which pleasures are superior?

• Historical examples illustrate concerns over valuing certain pleasures (e.g., gladiatorial games), questioning whether they can be ethically measured or justified within utilitarian frameworks.

Transition to John Stuart Mill's Perspective

• The lecture transitions towards John Stuart Mill’s contributions as a response to these critiques against utilitarianism.

John Stuart Mill's Influence on Utilitarianism

Early Life and Influences

• At 20 years old, John Stuart Mill experienced a nervous breakdown that led to five years of depression. His recovery began at age 25 through his relationship with Harriet Taylor, which significantly influenced his philosophical outlook.

• In 1859, Mill published "On Liberty," emphasizing the importance of protecting individual rights and minority interests. This work laid the groundwork for his later ideas on utilitarianism.

Key Philosophical Contributions

• In 1861, Mill wrote "Utilitarianism," where he asserted that utility is the sole standard of morality. He did not question this principle but reinforced it by stating that the only proof of desirability is what people genuinely desire.

• Mill argued that our true empirical desires form the foundation for moral judgments. He also claimed that utilitarians can distinguish between higher and lower pleasures.

Distinction Between Pleasures

• The discussion highlights how individuals may not always consciously choose higher pleasures over lower ones. A participant named John noted that those who have experienced both types will prefer the higher pleasure.

• Mill suggests in his text that if a majority prefers one pleasure over another without any moral obligation influencing their choice, then that pleasure is deemed superior.

Engaging with Arguments

• The speaker invites participants to reflect on whether they find Mill's argument convincing regarding distinguishing between higher and lower pleasures.

• An experiment involving excerpts from television shows aims to gauge reactions to different forms of entertainment as a way to explore preferences for pleasure.

Surveying Preferences

• Participants react positively to Shakespeare’s works while expressing enjoyment for more contemporary shows like "The Simpsons." This raises questions about cultural influences on perceived value in art and entertainment.

• The survey reveals a preference among participants for "The Simpsons" over Shakespeare, prompting discussions about why certain forms of entertainment are favored despite cultural narratives suggesting otherwise.

Cultural Norms vs Personal Enjoyment

• A participant expresses interest in humor found in "The Simpsons," contrasting it with Shakespeare's complexity. This reflects broader themes about subjective experiences versus societal expectations regarding high culture.

• Another participant discusses how cultural norms shape perceptions of value in art, questioning whether enjoyment derived from popular media can be equated with deeper artistic appreciation or if it's merely influenced by external standards.

The Value of Higher Pleasures vs. Lower Pleasures

The Choice Between Pleasures

• A hypothetical scenario is presented where one must choose between living on a farm with only Shakespeare or watching all episodes of "The Simpsons." The implication is that most would prefer Shakespeare, suggesting a preference for higher pleasures.

• An example from neurobiology discusses a rat experiencing acute pleasure versus a human who might prefer sustained higher pleasures. The speaker reflects on the value of enduring higher pleasures over fleeting lower ones.

Mill's Theory and Human Experience

• The speaker argues that according to Mill's theory, people generally prefer to experience higher pleasures rather than short-lived lower ones, reinforcing the idea that quality of pleasure matters more than quantity.

• A challenge arises regarding whether this perspective truly supports Mill’s views. Some participants question if their experiences contradict his assertions about utilitarianism and the distinction between types of pleasure.

Subjectivity in Pleasure

• It is noted that what constitutes 'good' or pleasurable is subjective; some may find enjoyment in "The Simpsons," while others require education to appreciate Shakespeare fully. This highlights cultural influences on perceptions of pleasure.

• As individuals become more educated, they can discern differences between higher and lower pleasures, leading to an appreciation for art and culture over mere entertainment.

Justice and Individual Rights

• Mill posits it is better to be an unsatisfied Socrates than a satisfied fool, emphasizing the importance of recognizing different levels of satisfaction based on intellectual engagement rather than mere contentment.

• Engaging with high art (e.g., Rembrandt's works) provides deeper satisfaction compared to passive activities like watching television, as it engages our higher faculties.

Exploring Justice within Utilitarianism

• Mill addresses justice as an essential component of morality that transcends simple utilitarian calculations. He suggests that individual rights should be prioritized but acknowledges they are still rooted in utility principles.

• Justice involves moral obligations that stand above other considerations; however, these obligations ultimately serve broader societal interests by promoting overall well-being when respected.

Bentham's Legacy and Philosophical Inquiry

• The discussion shifts towards Jeremy Bentham’s contributions to utilitarianism and how his ideas laid the groundwork for later philosophical debates about rights and justice beyond mere utility metrics.

• Bentham’s unique request for his body post-mortem serves as a metaphor for his lasting influence—his preserved presence continues to inspire future generations in ethical discussions surrounding utilitarianism.