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Pettit on consequentialism and universalizability.

Andrew Gleeson¹

¹Discipline of Philosophy, School of Humanities, University of Adelaide, Australia. andrew.gleeson@adelaide.edu.au

Theoretical Medicine and Bioethics

|July 29, 2005

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This study critiques Philip Pettit's argument that universalizability necessitates consequentialism. It finds flaws in both impartiality and preference-based reasoning, questioning the reliance on simplicity and rationality in moral arguments.

Area of Science:

Moral Philosophy
Ethics
Political Theory

Background:

Philip Pettit's influential argument posits that universalizability logically entails consequentialism.
The principle of universalizability requires that moral judgments apply universally to all relevantly similar individuals or situations.

Discussion:

The critique focuses on a potentially question-begging interpretation of universalization's impartiality.
A revised argument using preference-satisfaction rationality is explored but found to be ambiguous.
The author questions the reliance on theoretical virtues like simplicity and rationality in moral arguments.

Key Insights:

Universalizability does not necessarily entail consequentialism when impartiality is narrowly defined.
Preference-based rationality faces challenges due to ambiguity in defining preferences.

Related Experiment Videos

The persuasive power of simplicity and rationality in moral discourse is questioned.

Outlook:

Further research is needed to clarify the relationship between universalizability and consequentialism.
Exploring alternative frameworks for moral decision-making beyond preference satisfaction may be beneficial.
Investigating the role and limitations of theoretical virtues in ethical justification is warranted.