[Serious] Ethics

[vulcanlogician]

I'm allergic to utilitarianism—whatever branch that falls under. I think it should only be used to resolve moral dilemmas and nothing else.

But isn't that what all the theories do? Solve dilemmas?

"OMG! Moral dilemma! What shall I do?"

1. Calculate the best end state and try to get there. (utilitarianism)
2. Do your duty. (deontology)
3. What would [moral exemplar] do?-- or what did my moral training teach me


IMO, they all have their merits. Utilitarianism is the easiest to argue and fashion into laws.

Deontology has worked best for me personally.

Virtue ethics emphasizes training people to do the right thing. And that's indispensable. Medical doctors are specifically trained: do this.... never do THAT.... never ever EVER do X. That sort of thing is super important.

I view deontology as necessary for unifying groups.

Ha! Your deontology smacks of consequentialism! Maybe you are a utilitarian after all.... [being snarky]

But seriously, you seem to care about the "end state".... "unified groups" .... as some kind of ultimate good. A staunch deontologist would say, "do your duty, even if it means less unified groups as a result."

In the end, like you, I like multiple theories. Utilitarianism being a perennial favorite in my case.