Lesson 2 Moral Reasoning Frameworks PDF

F C V M 1 4 0 0 B U Y I N G O R D Y I N G ? M E D I A , C O N S U M P T I O N A N D T H E M A K I N G O F S E L F LECTURE 2 MORAL REASONING FRAMEWORKS FOR THE VALUES AND MEANINGS OF CONSUMPTION...

F C V M 1 4 0 0 B U Y I N G O R D Y I N G ? M E D I A , C O N S U M P T I O N A N D T H E M A K I N G O F S E L F LECTURE 2 MORAL REASONING FRAMEWORKS FOR THE VALUES AND MEANINGS OF CONSUMPTION Lecturer: Ms Esther Mok Division of Communication 1 AGENDA Moral reasoning frameworks: § Utilitarianism § Consequentialism § Absolutism § Hedonism § Case studies in moral dilemmas § Case studies in everyday consumption 2  UTILITARIANISM (功利主義) Founded by an English philosopher, Jeremy Bentham Definitions: Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) “It is a moral theory that actions are right if and because they promote more utility all around” (Narveson, 2010, p.175) “Utilitarianism advocates practices that maximize the overall sum of happiness” – i.e. maximize utility. (Harrison, Newholm & Shaw, 2005, p.12) 3  UTILITARIANISM (功利主義) Example: Should we cut trees in a forest for more paper to use? What kinds of questions will you think about from cutting trees in the forest in order to maximize utility? 4 UTILITARIANISM (功利主義) These are the questions you may ask: 1) Who will be benefited from cutting trees for paper? Which sector / area can be benefited from it? 2) Is damaging the environment (forest) a big issue for those people benefited? 3) What is the balance between cutting trees for papers, and the damage to the environment? Which action does more ‘good’ to people? 5  CONSEQUENTIALISM (結果主義) “Consequentialism is the theory according to which the rightness of an action is wholly determined by the value of its consequences as compared with the values of the consequences of competing ways of acting” (Haber, 1994, p.1) 6 CONSEQUENTIALISM (結果主義) Example: Freeriding Situation: In Week 11, you have 5 projects to submit by Friday, but you’re still working on the 2nd assignment and haven’t finished the rest. You have an important project meeting today. Which decision will you go for? B) Attend your group project meeting A) Do your own assignment 7 ABSOLUTISM(絕對主義) Definitions: “Moral absolutism is meant the theory according to which there are certain kinds of actions that are absolutely wrong; actions that could never be right whatever the consequences” (Haber, 1994, p.1) e.g. Stealing is regarded as absolutely wrong from an absolutist’s point of view, even if it is done for the well-being of others (feed a starving family) 8 ABSOLUTISM Examples: Suicide – Morally wrong (particularly in Christian perspective) Shoplifting Terrorist attack Can you name a few more examples? - Plagiarism ……and ??? 9 ABSOLUTISM Example in consumption: Various ways of torturing labour in fashion industry: § Cheap labour, very low salary § Child labour § Prolonged working hours (over 12 hours) § Poor and unhygienic working environment § Sexual harassment in workplace Child labour in Bangladesh 10 HEDONISM(享樂主義) Definitions: “It claims that pleasure is the only intrinsic 本質 good and that pain is the only intrinsic bad. The value of the consequences depends only on the pleasures and pains in the consequences.” - Every person’s pleasure should far surpass their amount of pain. (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy) 11 HEDONISM Examples in daily life: § Skipping class and going for a barbecue party with friends. § Traveling a short haul trip in Japan during summer holiday rather than a one day trip in Yuen Long. § Enjoying high-tea with girlfriends rather than doing housework at home. Can you name a few more examples? 12 CASE STUDIES IN MORAL DILEMMAS Watch this video and make your own decision: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzmNoFnxu68 (Would You Rather: 6 Hardest Moral Dilemmas Ever, 11’21”) When you watch the video, make the decision to solve the 6 dilemmas. 1. Why do you make certain decision? 2. Which moral framework(s) have you used to make the decision? 13 CASE STUDY IN EVERYDAY CONSUMPTION Watch the video and discuss in groups of 3-4: 1. What is right and wrong about Fur industry / Fast food consumption? 2. Which moral framework(s) can be applied to explain your answer? 3. What is your group’s reflections and comments on these practices in fashion / fast food industry? 14 Fur, leather production for commodities / luxurious goods in the market https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAwHtWqV0sg (Exposing the Fur Industry) Why McDonald's Is Unhealthy https://youtu.be/I3O28zA6Wmg If you eat fast food, this happens to your body (The fact behind fast food) https://youtu.be/RLXsZaD3oJ8 15 YOU’VE LEARNT § Utilitarianism - Actions are right if and because they promote more utility all around. § Consequentialism - the rightness of an action is wholly determined by the value of its consequences. § Absolutism - certain kinds of actions that are absolutely wrong; actions that could never be right whatever the consequences. § Hedonism - Pleasure is the only intrinsic good and that pain is the only intrinsic bad. 16