Saving Lives with Types of Reasoning

IQ: How do we construct sound arguments?

1. Moral dilemmas and saving lives: what would you do?

• Go to kahoot.it
• Respond to scenarios
• Discuss

2. Justice: the moral side of murder

• 2 types of moral reasoning:
• Consequentialist: the end result justifies the decision (also called utilitarianism)
• Categorical: about the intrinsic quality of the act itself, regardless of consequences

3. Check for understanding: Incentives for Charity

Donating to charity is a valuable act that people do out of the goodness of their hearts. Oftentimes, organizations will offer incentives or small prizes to people in return for their donation to a good cause. For example, schools might give a pizza party or bonus points in return for students bringing in donations to a food bank. Offering these incentives tends to increase the number of people who participate in the charity drive.

→ Group A) How would a consequentialist reasoner (end result) think about this issue? Would they support or not support offering incentives for donating to charities?

→  Group B) How would a categorical moral reasoner (quality of act itself) think about this issue? Would they support or not support offering incentives for donating to charities?

4. In-class reading: Peter Singer's Solution to World Poverty

• Peter Singer: a utilitarian philosopher at Princeton
• Outline his argument: what are his main points?

HW: Read and annotate Hardin's "Lifeboat Ethics." Use the questions provided to guide your annotations.