Justice: What's The Right Thing To Do? Episode 01 "THE MORAL SIDE OF MURDER"

Introduction

This tutorial explores the moral dilemmas presented in the Harvard University course "Justice: What's The Right Thing To Do?" focusing specifically on Episode 01, "The Moral Side of Murder." It aims to help you understand the fundamental concepts of moral reasoning and utilitarianism, as demonstrated through provocative scenarios. By engaging with these dilemmas, you can develop a deeper understanding of ethical decision-making.

Step 1: Engage with Moral Dilemmas

• Consider the hypothetical scenario of choosing between:
  1. Killing one person to save five others.
  2. Doing nothing and allowing five people to die.
• Reflect on your immediate reaction and the reasoning behind your choice.
• Discuss your thoughts with others to explore different perspectives.

Practical Advice

• Keep an open mind about others' viewpoints.
• Consider the emotional and ethical implications of each choice.

Step 2: Analyze Conflicting Choices

• After voting on your preferred choice from the previous step, prepare to defend your decision.
• Listen to classmates who may support different choices.
• Identify the assumptions behind your moral reasoning.

Practical Advice

• Take notes on the arguments presented for each side.
• Think critically about the contradictions that arise in moral reasoning.

Step 3: Understand Utilitarianism

• Familiarize yourself with Jeremy Bentham's utilitarian principles, which advocate for actions that produce "the greatest good for the greatest number."
• Examine a historical case involving a shipwrecked crew faced with a life-and-death choice regarding cannibalism.

Practical Advice

• Reflect on how utilitarianism applies to real-world situations, such as healthcare decisions or resource allocation.
• Debate the ethical implications of sacrificing one for the many.

Step 4: Participate in Class Discussion

• Engage in classroom debates about the moral validity of utilitarianism.
• Challenge yourself to articulate your position clearly and respectfully.

Practical Advice

• Prepare by reviewing key arguments for and against utilitarianism.
• Practice active listening to understand opposing viewpoints better.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you've explored complex moral dilemmas and the principles of utilitarianism. Understanding these concepts enhances your ability to engage in ethical discussions and refine your moral reasoning. As a next step, consider enrolling in the full course on justice to deepen your knowledge and apply these principles to various contexts in your life.