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Questions and Answers

What is the primary ethical consideration in population ethics that is highlighted by Fleurbaey and Voorhoeve?

  • Rights of current individuals over future generations
  • Value of individual life
  • Consequential outcomes of population size
  • Priority or equality for possible future people (correct)

Which philosopher discusses the relationship between utilitarianism and virtues?

  • Robert Nozick
  • Derek Parfit
  • Yew-kwang Ng
  • Philippa Foot (correct)

What ethical challenge does Heyd address in relation to futurity problems?

  • Impacts of economic policies on future generations
  • Rights of actualized individuals over potential individuals
  • Consequences of population regulations
  • Moral obligations towards future individuals (correct)

What is the main concern of Huemer in 'In Defence of Repugnance'?

<p>Exploring the nature of moral disgust (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Carlson's 'Consequentialism Reconsidered' contribute to the discourse on ethical theories?

<p>It revisits the foundations of consequentialist views. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What topic is discussed by Kitcher in relation to Parfit's philosophical problems?

<p>The nature of moral obligations to future generations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique argument does Narveson present regarding population morality?

<p>Moral obligations are only towards current persons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ethical dilemma is raised by Hare in 'Voices from Another World'?

<p>Respecting the interests of non-existent individuals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Repugnant Conclusion initially seem to be?

<p>Repugnant to untutored intuition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist argues against the notion that the Repugnant Conclusion is clearly unacceptable?

<p>Torbjörn Tännsjö (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do some suggest to escape from the impossibility theorems?

<p>Deny the assumptions regarding well-being scale (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What principle does Arrhenius’ Second and Fifth theorem include that is close to the Mere Addition principle?

<p>Dominance Addition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do the impossibility theorems depend on regarding their normative force?

<p>Assumption of choice-set-independence (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is denying the Repugnant Conclusion significant in discussions of impossibility theorems?

<p>It helps to escape from all impossibility theorems simultaneously. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common but mistaken response to the impossibility theorems?

<p>They are only problematic for consequentialists. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which theorist's work suggests that vagueness or incompleteness might help escape impossibility theorems?

<p>Derek Parfit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What problem is associated with Averagism as discussed?

<p>It can result in a situation where adding people with negative well-being is better. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Mere Addition Principle state?

<p>A state of affairs can be worse if it includes additional lives worth living. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which issue arises from Variable Value theories?

<p>They imply diminishing returns on the value of adding individuals in larger populations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion does Averagism seemingly accept regarding population size?

<p>Smaller populations may benefit more from adding individuals with positive well-being. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which problem does Averagism NOT solve?

<p>All ethical dilemmas regarding population welfare. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does adding a large number of people with below-average well-being affect average well-being?

<p>It can reduce the average more significantly than adding fewer individuals with negative well-being. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the Variable Value theories?

<p>They argue for diminishing marginal value of adding additional individuals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the Sadistic Conclusion?

<p>Adding individuals with negative well-being can sometimes yield better results than adding those with positive well-being. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Variable Value theory propose about the value of a state of affairs X?

<p>VVV(X) is given by Xg(|X|), where g is a strictly increasing and concave function. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the function g(|X|) behave at small population sizes according to the Variable Value theory?

<p>The function approximates Totalism that mere additions amount to improvements. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the critical threshold α in the context of well-being levels?

<p>A point below which each additional person's existence is considered a detriment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario does the Variable Value theory align with to avoid the Repugnant Conclusion?

<p>A situation where well-being ε is substantially less than α, leading to negative overall value. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic can be attributed to the function g in the Variable Value theory?

<p>It is a strictly increasing and concave function with a horizontal asymptote. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the Variable Value theory, what happens when an additional person's well-being w is negative?

<p>The overall value of the world decreases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key implication of Critical Level theories in terms of population assessment?

<p>They indicate that well-being levels above the critical threshold create positive contribution. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What condition must hold for the A-population to have a positive value according to the theories discussed?

<p>The average well-being level must be above the critical level α. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criterion for Totalism to determine if one state of affairs A is better than another state of affairs B?

<p>Total well-being in A is higher than total well-being in B. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What notation is used to represent the average well-being level in a given state of affairs?

<p>X (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following axiologies suggests that if two states of affairs have equal average well-being, they are equally good?

<p>Averagism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant objection made against Totalism?

<p>It leads to the Repugnant Conclusion. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which value function represents Totalism?

<p>VTot(X) = |X|X (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the threshold for the zero point on the well-being scale in Totalism?

<p>The point at which life is deemed not worth living. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If Totalism is rejected, what might some people consider embracing as an alternative?

<p>Averagism. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between total well-being and average well-being in the context of these population axiologies?

<p>Total well-being can be higher while average well-being is lower. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Principle of Equal Existence imply about adding an extra person to a state of affairs?

<p>It suggests the new state of affairs is equally good as the original state of affairs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Principle of Equal Existence considered self-contradictory?

<p>It fails to account for different well-being levels of the new person. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'The Asymmetry' in the context of non-impartial theories?

<p>The addition of a new person with strictly negative well-being can worsen a state of affairs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn about the effect of adding a person in the Principle of Equal Existence?

<p>Different scenarios yield differing outcomes on life's value. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do non-impartial theories differ from impartial ones in their consideration of well-being?

<p>They recognize the varying impacts of individuals' well-being on a state's evaluation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises when considering a state of affairs A and a state of affairs B with added individuals?

<p>Evaluating their goodness becomes complicated by well-being differences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Broome argue about the Principle of Equal Existence?

<p>Its implications lead to logical contradictions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which aspect of the Principle of Equal Existence is critiqued as leading to transitive inconsistencies?

<p>Equating different states solely based on additional persons. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Totalism

A population axiology that judges the goodness of a state of affairs based on the total well-being of all individuals within that state. It considers a state with higher total well-being to be preferable to one with lower total well-being.

Averagism

A population axiology that prioritizes average well-being. A state of affairs is better if the average well-being of individuals is higher. Equal average well-being implies equal goodness.

Repugnant Conclusion

A counterintuitive consequence of Totalism. This principle implies that a state with a massive population experiencing minimal well-being can be considered superior to a state with fewer individuals enjoying higher well-being.

Threshold of 'life worth living'

The level of well-being at which life is just barely worth living. It is a crucial reference point for Totalism, determining the zero point on the well-being scale.

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The Sadistic Conclusion

A state of affairs is better if it results from adding people with positive well-being, even if the average well-being decreases.

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The Mere Addition Principle

Adding people with positive well-being to an existing population is always a good thing, even if it lowers the average well-being.

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Variable Value

The value of adding a person with a certain well-being level decreases as the existing population grows.

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The Repugnant Conclusion

A state of affairs where adding a large number of people with below-average well-being can decrease the overall average well-being more than adding a smaller number with negative well-being.

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Diminishing Marginal Value

The addition of an extra person with a fixed well-being level has a decreasing impact on the total value as the population grows.

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Variable Value Theories

Theories based on the principle of diminishing marginal value, where the value of adding a person decreases with the size of the existing population.

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g

A function used in Variable Value Theory to describe the relationship between population size and the value of a state of affairs. It is strictly increasing and concave, meaning that the value of adding an additional person decreases as the population size increases.

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Critical Level (↵)

A critical threshold in Variable Value Theory below which the addition of individuals decreases the overall value of a state of affairs. It is a level of well-being that is necessary for an individual to be considered valuable to the overall population

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✏ (Epsilon)

A level of well-being barely worth living, which is lower than the critical level. In Variable Value Theory, a population of individuals with well-being below the critical level would decrease the overall value of the world.

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The Principle of Equal Existence

The idea that adding a person to a state of affairs, regardless of their well-being level, does not change the overall goodness of the state.

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The Asymmetry

The notion that adding a person with a life that is considered significantly negative (constant suffering, extreme pain) makes a state of affairs worse, even if the principle of neutrality suggests otherwise.

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Non-Impartial Theories

A theory that argues that when comparing two states of affairs, the presence of individuals who experience only negative well-being (suffering, pain) can make one state worse than another, even if all other factors are equal.

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Neutrality

The ethical concept that suggests there is no inherent preference for one state of affairs over another, regardless of the number or well-being of individuals involved.

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Axiology

The overall goodness or badness of a state of affairs, taking into account factors like the well-being of individuals.

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Well-being

The level of happiness, satisfaction, or fulfillment experienced by an individual.

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Adding an Extra Person

A state of affairs where an additional individual exists without affecting the well-being of individuals already present.

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Intuition of Neutrality

The idea that adding an extra person might make a state of affairs more or less good, depending on the new person's well-being level.

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Mere Addition principle

A principle stating that adding more people, even with very low levels of well-being, always makes a situation ethically better.

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Impossibility Theorems

Mathematical proofs demonstrating that certain combinations of ethical principles lead to unacceptable outcomes.

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Anti-Repugnance Intuition

The intuitive feeling that the Repugnant Conclusion is ethically wrong, despite what logic might suggest.

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Distorting Biases

Biases that distort our initial moral intuitions, potentially leading us to reject valid arguments.

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Choice-Set-Dependence

The idea that certain ethical principles are not inherently independent of the available choices in a specific situation.

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Choice-Set-Independence

The idea that ethical principles should be independent of the options available in a given situation.

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Vagueness of the Well-being Scale

The belief that the well-being scale is inherently vague or incomplete, potentially offering a way to escape the conclusions of impossibility theorems.

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Person-Affecting View

A philosophical problem arising from the idea that the moral worth of an action might depend on the identities of the individuals affected, even if their well-being is identical.

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Intergenerational Ethics

The ethical challenge of balancing the interests of present people with the potential interests of future generations, particularly when actions can impact both.

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Anti-Natalism

A philosophical argument that claims it's impermissible to bring a person into existence if their life will be significantly worse than not existing at all.

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Pro-Natalism

The idea that bringing a person into existence is inherently morally good, regardless of the person's future well-being.

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Average Utilitarianism

A concept in population ethics that posits if there are more people, even with an average level of well-being, there's a greater total amount of happiness.

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Total Utilitarianism

A theory in population ethics that suggests the total amount of well-being in the world should be maximized, regardless of the number of people.

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Procreation Asymmetry

A moral dilemma that arises from the potential implications of procreation, especially when considering the well-being of future individuals.

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Study Notes

Population Axiology

  • Population axiology is the study of when one state of affairs is better than another, considering the number and identities of people who ever live.

Extant Theories

  • Existing theories include totalism (total well-being is better), averagism (average well-being is better), variable value theories, critical level theories, and "person-affecting" theories.
  • Each theory has objections.

Impossibility Theorems

  • It's possible to prove that no population axiology can satisfy all intuitively compelling desiderata simultaneously.
  • This means a choice of population axiology involves choosing which intuition to prioritize.

Population Ethics and Population Axiology: Basic Questions

  • Fixed-population ethics is sufficient when an agent's decisions don't affect the number and identity of those born.
  • Variable-population ethics (population ethics) is needed when decisions affect the number and identity of births.
  • Examples include: having children, resource allocation, climate change, and birth control measures.

Population Axiology - Key Concepts

  • Betterness-Overall: Describes a measure of whether one state of affairs is better than another, considering all people involved.
  • Well-being Levels: An individual's level of good or bad in a particular state. A crucial aspect of most population axiologies.

Totalism & Averagism

  • Totalism: States that a state of affairs is better if the total well-being across all persons is higher.
  • Averagism: States that a state of affairs is better if the average well-being is higher.

Criticism of Totalism & Averagism

  • Repugnant Conclusion (Totalism): For any state, there's a better state with more people, but very low well-being.
  • Sadistic Conclusion (Averagism): Adding people with negative well-being can sometimes be better than adding people with positive well-being.

Variable Value Views

  • These views consider the declining value of adding more people, especially in high-population scenarios. The marginal value of adding another person decreases with the total population.

Critical Level Theories

  • Adds a threshold (critical level) to Totalism. Only adding people whose well-being is above the critical level actually improves total well-being.
  • Avoids the Repugnant and Sadistic conclusions.
  • Weak repulsive conclusions are still possible.

Person-Affecting Views

  • Neutrality Principle: Adding people who won't affect others' well-being, makes no difference.
  • Principle of Equal Existence: The addition of a new person doesn't improve or worsen the overall state of affairs (if everything else stays the same).
  • Non-Impartial Theories (Presentism, Actualism): Emphasize the impact of new people on existing people's well-being.

Impossibility Theorems

  • These theorems show that common approaches in population ethics (like totalism and averagism) have inherent problems, potentially leading to conflicting or non-intuitive conclusions.
  • Some attempt to resolve these conflicts rely on assumptions about the possible scope of well-being calculations.

Harm Minimization Theories

  • Focuses on comparing harm by comparing people's well-being to a baseline.
  • Avoids some problems of other theories.
  • Still has problems associated with the relative value/ranking of possible populations.

Theories with Widespread Incomparability

  • State that comparisons between different populations can not always be made.
  • This is due to the complexity of considering well-being across differing populations and potentially vast numbers of people.

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Population Axiology PDF

Description

Explore the complex field of population axiology, which examines how to evaluate different states of affairs by considering the well-being of individuals across varying population scenarios. This quiz covers existing theories, impossibility theorems, and the distinctions between fixed and variable-population ethics.

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