The Appeal and Challenges of Utilitarianism and Consequentialism

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This chapter explores the appeal of utilitarianism and consequentialism as ethical theories, highlighting their focus on objective morality and improving overall happiness. It discusses the difficulty of measuring happiness and the potential inconsistencies in self-reported happiness levels. The chapter also delves into the challenges of making value judgments based on happiness and raises questions about the impact of money and material possessions on happiness.

Dave and Tamler try to figure out what we talk about when we talk about objectivity. In past episodes we’ve claimed that logic and science (when it isn't fraudulent) are objective. Tamler has claimed repeatedly that "Louie" is an objectively better TV show than "Jessie." Dave is constantly claiming that Kant is objectively the best philosopher. But to be honest, we say these things without being exactly sure what we’re saying. Today we try to be sure--only to get more confused.

Plus, we get into a big fight over trigger warnings, the Kipnis affair at Northwestern, and other related issues. (The infamous Episode 45 was an ecstasy-fueled love fest in comparison.) However, we have spared our listeners the drama, and have only included a few lowlights. If you listen closely, you can even hear Tamler apologize.

Links

Sexual Paranoia Strikes Academe by Laura Kipnis [chronicle.com]
Laura Kipnis Is Cleared of Wrongdoing in Title IX Complaints [chronicle.com]
Title IX [wikipedia.org]
For Tamler's views on the campus climate and the Kipnis fiasco, check out his comments on this post. [leiterreports.typepad.com]

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