I am not an advocate nor an opponent of any of the subjects mentioned. (Strictly work)
Whether one has knowledge of it or not, we are all consequentialists. The consequences of one's conduct is the basis of the morality of that conduct. Some current issues such as the American sniper, legalization of marijuana, and the issue of restless pilots all relate to consequentialism once analyzed with a Kantian eye. We have all heard of the American sniper story where a man is forced to make difficult moral decisions concerning the life of enemies of the United States. He protected his comrades under what conditions? Some would argue that he did it for the good of his entire troop. To reiterate, the Kantian would say that he did what was the most consequential, for the greatest good.
The legalization of marijuana possesses an aspect of consequentialism. An advocate of marijuana would agree with the Kantian view of marijuana. A Kantian would say based on Felicific Calculus, legalizing marijuana would cause the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest amount of people. Not legalizing marijuana would violate the greatest happiness principle which states that things are good if they promote happiness and things are bad if it diminishes happiness. It is obvious, without stating numbers that there are more people for marijuana than there are against it. Failing to legalize marijuana would diminish the happiness of the greatest amount of people.
The issue of restless cargo pilots is the most recent issue that many people are talking about. There has been a number of plane crashes that has many wondering what is the cause of it. If its not terrorist, then what is it? Cargo pilots are not getting enough rest, some would say. Others say that cargo pilots are under outdated laws that permits them to work long hours. The consequentialist would say that say that the good of the whole is what matters the most. Losing money or having to pay more employees is not the issue. The Kantian would support allowing pilots to work less hours on their shifts because it would comply with Felicific Calculus.
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ReplyDeleteThe Felicific Calculus in the marijuana instance is a great representation. I agree that the greatest happiness principle is a great and indeed easy way to make decisions when faced with moral dilemmas. However being as happiness is known to be quite subjective, even it the broad sense people may have different views on what the happiness for the majority would be.
ReplyDeleteOn this topic there is much controversy. The greatest happiness would be for marijuana to be legalized. This would create immediate happiness and also unseen happiness, or peace of mind. The first day that Colorado legalized recreational marijuana, the was and estimated one million dollars in sales alone. This is taxed and used for the well being of others through public services. The Felicific Calculus for the marijuana instance would be a good example because it does create the greatest happiness
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