Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is defined as the doctrine that actions are right if they are useful or for the benefit of a majority.

Quotes:
"The need of the many outweigh the need of the few." __Spock

"Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." __ Ben Franklin

This theory had brought timeless debates from different perspectives on the pros and cons of utilitarianism.

Some examples include the 2X nuclear bombing of Japan to end WWII, the trolly problem including all variants, mandatory vaccination, wealth distribution, etc.

Some people argue that utilitarianism is the most logical method to run a society, believing that it's a necessity.
While others believe that utilitarianism is an immoral doctrine and a slippery slope, arguing that it can and have often led to atrocities.

In this meeting, we will discuss the different viewpoints people have on utilitarianism, where people stand on this issue, why they believe in their position, and how people view the opposing positions.

Questions:
1. Do you believe that the need of the many outweigh the need of the few?
2. Would you kill an innocent child to save humanity?
3. Should doctors and nurses take out healthy organs from a dying person to distribute the organs to save multiple people?
4. Are some people more valuable than others? If so, what's the metric? Should they be prioritized in an emergency over others? (In what ways? Examples?)
5. What do you think of Utilitarian Triage in disasters? (Texas flood, Hurricane Katrina & Ida, Earth quakes, Tsunamis, L.A. Fires, etc)
6. Should the end justify the means?
7. Should censorship be implemented to reduce mass misinformation?
8. Does the healthy majority have to restrict their own actions to ensure the wellbeing of the autoimmune weakened minority?
9. Do you think utilitarianism is necessary in human societies?
10. Do you believe in the greater good? Why or why not?
11. What are some examples you can think of that is considered utilitarianism?
12. If utilitarianism is for the greater good, then why some oppose it?
13. Can utilitarianism be applied to all difficult situations?
14. What are some limitations of utilitarianism?
15. Is utilitarianism moral?
16. Do you think we should tax the rich to distribute wealth?
17. What decision would you make if you were part of the trolly problem?
18. Is the two time nuclear bombing of Japan to end WWII in the Pacific justified? Why or why not?
19. Is there a correlation between inequality and the yearning for utilitarianism?
20. What's your ideal reality for an ethical life for all?
21. Has America gotten too focused on individual freedoms over the collective safety and wellbeing?
22. How are other developed nations running their healthcare systems?
23. Is taxation theft?
24. Does science or religion have more say on this matter?
25. Does utilitarianism take away individual rights?
26. When is violence justified? Examples?
27. How would Artificial Intelligence approach utilitarianism?
28. Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for others?
29. What's a better system than utilitarianism pertaining collective good?
30. Would you rather live in a golden cage -> (Everything provided but you can't change anything) or an uncertain freedom? -> (Nothing is guaranteed but you are free to change your reality)

Guidelines:

• Hand raises are required.
• There will be a 3 minute timer for every person. However, in this group, I do allow a brief back and fourth interjection from others if it's something that's related to the person who was just speaking. This is a way to prevent the group from feeling too "robotic" in style and get your pressing question asked to the speaker and get the answer right away without waiting all the way back to your turn again.
• Be authentic & civil!
• Please refrain from using Ad Hominem (personal) attacks. Instead, please attack the points from others.
• Severe Ad Hominem such as racist behavior will result in being removed from the meeting.

Zoom link will be posted 10 minutes before the meeting.