Williams argues that utilitarianism alienates us from our moral feelings, from our projects and our actions. Our identity is in large part constituted by our identity as moral agents," he says. "When utilitarianism forces us to abandon them or reject them at a moment's notice because the consequences demand it, according to Williams, that is literally like tearing us apart"
David and Tamler take a break from complaining about psychological studies that measure utilitarianism to complain about the moral theory itself. We talk about one of the most famous critiques of utilitarian theories from Bernard Williams. Does utilitarianism annihilate our integrity--our unity--as people? Would trying to maximize well-being fracture our identities, and swallow up our projects, motivations, and moral convictions--the same convictions that make utilitarianism seem appealing in the first place? Is it ultimately self-defeating as a moral theory?
Plus, we talk about the adventures of Tamler's based step-mom Christina Hoff Sommers' at Lewis and Clark law school. Will David stay woke?
Support Very Bad Wizards
Links: