Discussion Forum Unit Two: Ethics and Social Responsibility
Topic: Utilitarianism - The Utilitarian Monster
Utilitarianism is a philosophical doctrine of ethics. It is based on the principle of evaluating
actions according to the benefits they produce. This is based on the principle of greatest
happiness. It implies that humans should strive to obtain the greatest possible benefit
(Bakri, 2018.)
The problem of the utilitarian monster, a thought experiment in utilitarian ethics, highlights
a potential flaw in utilitarianism whereby one individual (the "utility monster") derives far
greater benefit and pleasure from resources than anyone else (Amin, 2014.)
How is the lottery an example of a utilitarian monster?
The basic idea is that whether these actions are right or wrong, from an ethical perspective,
depends on their effects—that is, the good and bad outcomes they produce. The lottery is an
example of the monster of utilitarianism, benefiting both the poor and the rich. Its effects
include unfair government redistribution of funds, exploitation of vulnerable individuals by
luring them with the prospect of easy wins, and subsequent psychological harm when they
lose.
2How can you prepare yourself to argue for or against the moral existence of the lottery
from a monetary utilitarian perspective?
Topic: Utilitarianism - The Utilitarian Monster
Utilitarianism is a philosophical doctrine of ethics. It is based on the principle of evaluating
actions according to the benefits they produce. This is based on the principle of greatest
happiness. It implies that humans should strive to obtain the greatest possible benefit
(Bakri, 2018.)
The problem of the utilitarian monster, a thought experiment in utilitarian ethics, highlights
a potential flaw in utilitarianism whereby one individual (the "utility monster") derives far
greater benefit and pleasure from resources than anyone else (Amin, 2014.)
How is the lottery an example of a utilitarian monster?
The basic idea is that whether these actions are right or wrong, from an ethical perspective,
depends on their effects—that is, the good and bad outcomes they produce. The lottery is an
example of the monster of utilitarianism, benefiting both the poor and the rich. Its effects
include unfair government redistribution of funds, exploitation of vulnerable individuals by
luring them with the prospect of easy wins, and subsequent psychological harm when they
lose.
2How can you prepare yourself to argue for or against the moral existence of the lottery
from a monetary utilitarian perspective?
