1. Presenter: Sanghoon
Researcher: Takeyuki
Self Interest Theory & Utilitarianism

2. 1. Self interest theory

3. Basically,
Human beings are always and everywhere selfish
Even if there are objective moral values, we are incapable of living up to them

4. 4 arguments for self interest Theory
The definitional argument
The evolutionary argument
Hidden benefits argument
Fear of punishment argument

5. 1. Definitional Argument:Who is morally better?

6. Genuine altruism is impossible
Both McDonalds and Mother Teresa are doing what they want.
Therefore, they are both equally selfish

7. Criticisms
We should distinguish between
Self regarding desires
Other regarding desires

8. 2. Evolutionary Argument

9. Struggle for survival!
Human beings : Naturally programmed to pursue our own interests
To get our genes into next generation, we inevitably spend a huge amount of time looking after ourselves and offspring.
Therefore, other peoples interests usually concern us relatively less.

10. Criticisms
Empathy, Altruism as much a part of our biological inheritance as selfishness.
Ex) Monkey experiment

11. 3. Hidden Benefits Argument

12. What do we get from those Donation?
Gratitude, Praise, Positive image of ourselves.
Enhances reputation as good people socially beneficial

13. Criticisms
Although we do often help other people expecting that will at some point return the favor, there are some situations in which this cannot be our motive.
Ex) Leaving a tip in a restaurant
Ex2) people of Chambon in France risking their lives to hide Jews from Nazis

14. 4. Fear of Punishment Argument

15. What if I get caught?
The fear of fine, imprisonment, or even death stops us from committing morally wrong behaviors.

16. Criticisms
Although law enforcement plays an important role in ensuring social order, there is no reason to think that all good behavior is motivated by fear.
Ex) Anonymous donors

17. Chapter Two : Utilitarianism
Developed by : Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill
Purpose : to establish ethics on scientific foundation
Deceptively simple theory of ethics : We should seek the greatest happiness of the greatest number

18. GNH
Gross National Happiness
Higher GNH -> Morally better world

19. Arguments in favor of Utilitarianisms
Simple and coherent theory which is able to explain all of our beliefs about right and wrong in terms of greatest happiness principle
Democratic theory individual is considered to be the best judge of what makes one happy
Rational theory encourages us to take into account not only short-term but also long-term consequences of our actions
Egalitarian theory Ex) justify redistributing money from rich to the poor since poor person needs more money to increase GNH

20. Practical Objections to Utilitarianism
How do we measure happiness?
X 20
?
=
Impossible to put a price or a happiness value on such things as health, love or friendship.

21. Theoretical Objections to Utilitarianism
Pleasure or happiness is not always a good thing
Actions should be judged by their motives rather than their consequences
Utilitarianism is incompatible with the belief that we have moral obligations and individual rights

22. Bad Pleasures
Malicious pleasure pleasures that are derived from the suffering of other people
Ex) Sadist
Empty pleasures pleasures that do not help us to develop our potential, or flourish as human beings
Ex) eating more chocolate, shopping

23. Obligations and Rights
Utilitarianism does not leave any room for respecting moral obligations or human rights
Only looks for Happiness
Ex) justify lying to people whenever it makes them happy

24. Solution
Rule Utilitarianism we should judge the rightness or wrongness of an action not by whether it promotes general happiness but by whether it conforms to a rule that promotes general happiness
Ex) Not Never tell a lie but Never tell lies unless you can save a great deal of suffering by doing so
Much more practical and reasonable

25. Works Cited
For Parents and Teachers. Dialogue for Kids. Idaho State Board of Education 2010. 20 October 2010
Ed, Yong. Selfless monkeys find personal rewards in helping others Scienceblogs. Scienceblogs. 28 August 2008. 20 October 2010.
Charles, Bronson Florida Consumer E-Newsletter Division of Consumer Services. Florida Department. November 2006. 20 October 2010.
John, Mill Utilitarianism Utilitarianism by John Stuart Mill. BLTC. 1863. 28 October 2010.
Richard van de LagemaatTheory of Knowledge. Cambridge New York: 2005