Clearer Thinking with Spencer Greenberg Utilitarianism and Its Flavors (with Nick Beckstead)
May 16, 2021
Nick Beckstead, a Program Officer at the Open Philanthropy Project with a Ph.D. in Philosophy, dives deep into utilitarianism's nuances. He explores its various interpretations and contrasts act with rule consequentialism. The discussion also highlights the ethical dilemmas of quantifying well-being and the impact of decisions on future generations. Beckstead emphasizes the power of intuitive thinking over strict calculations in moral choices, and critiques the limitations of total utilitarianism, especially regarding infinite populations.
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Utilitarianism Defined
- Utilitarianism aims to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number.
- It involves consequentialism, a theory of value, and a theory of well-being.
Consequentialism Types
- Act consequentialism focuses on individual actions maximizing good.
- Rule consequentialism emphasizes following rules that generally produce the best outcomes.
Initial Impression
- Nick Beckstead's initial encounter with utilitarianism resonated with its logical appeal.
- He found its structured approach more practical than other moral philosophies.