Men Of Ideas: The Lost Episodes ⟩ “The Ethics of Spock”
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“The greatest happiness of the greatest number is the foundation of morals and legislation.” That is the central assertion of Utilitarianism, which seems to me far and away the most influential moral philosophy in British society today. Whenever Englishmen professionally involved in politics, or the civil service, or any other field of public administration, get together to discuss what to actually do, many if not most of the unspoken assumptions underlying the discussion are those of a rough and ready—often unthought-out—Utilitarianism.
Explore the enduring impact of Utilitarianism on British society with host Bryan Magee and guest R. M. Hare, Professor of Moral Philosophy at Oxford University. Originating over two centuries ago with thinkers like Francis Hutcheson and popularized in the 19th century by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, Utilitarianism continues to shape the ethical frameworks of modern institutions in Britain.
While its infinitely appealing Spockian principle of “the greatest happiness for the greatest number” often underpins discussions in politics and public administration, the philosophy is not without its critics. Challenged by both ends of the political spectrum and increasingly scrutinized within academic circles, Utilitarianism’s role in contemporary moral philosophy is a subject of lively debate due to its many problems, such as —
- The Demandingness Objection — Utilitarianism is often criticized for being too demanding, requiring individuals to constantly act in ways that maximize overall happiness or utility, sometimes at great personal cost.
- Ignoring Individual Rights — Critics argue that utilitarianism can justify morally repugnant acts, such as human rights abuses, if they result in greater overall happiness.
- The Problem of Justice — Utilitarianism can conflict with our intuitions about justice. For example, a sheriff must decide between “framing an innocent Negro for a rape that had aroused hostility to the Negroes” in order to prevent anti-Negro riots, or pursuing justice at the cost of riots and likely deaths. According to strict utilitarianism, the sheriff would be justified in framing the Negro to prevent the riots and maximize overall happiness.
- The Repugnant Conclusion — Utilitarianism could justify sending a vile sociopath to paradise if it increases overall happiness, especially if the public believes she’s being punished.
- The Summation Principle — Read Ursula K. Le Guin’s The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas.
… and a few more.
Join Magee and Hare as they explore the philosophy’s historical roots, its modern applications, and the growing controversies that surround it.
METHOD
Please watch the episode before the event. We will then replay a few short clips during the event to refresh our memories for debate and discussion. A high-def version of this episode with remastered audio and enriched subtitles can be found here:
Study materials for all events, including a downloadable PDF of the Men Of Ideas book (hint: purple icon in the “THORR Media Vault”) can be found here:
The Great Philosophers
Following our engaging discussion with Hare, we'll shift our focus to what is unequivocally the most exceptional philosophical series ever created: The Great Philosophers (1987).
Our coverage of The Great Philosophers will be a trifecta of excellence. First, it presents an unparalleled host, a preeminent philosopher whose wisdom often eclipses that of his esteemed guests. Second, it offers an exhaustive chronological survey of Western philosophy, covering everyone from Socrates to Sartre. Third, our recent immersion in Clark’s Civilisation series amplifies the experience, serving as an ideal cultural and historical backdrop, allowing us to see philosophical history as the evolution of cultural subjectivity at its highest levels of self-consciousness, or our ability to articulate the subtle foundational features that infuse the whole shebang, i.e., metaphysics and its unintentional parent, epistemology.