Reply to Ethics for kids -- e.g., why Thanos's solution to hunger and poverty isn't the best choice

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Reply to "Ethics for kids -- e.g., why Thanos's solution to hunger and poverty isn't the best choice"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Thanks is espousing what we call a utilitarian view - the greatest good for the greatest number, the ends justify the means (consequentialism), the few can be sacrificed for the many. JS Mill is probably the most famous of utilitarian thinkers.

What you are espousing is a deonotological view, where rules (universally applied) are more important than the consequences. Rules like, don't steal, don't lie, don't kill, etc., are important to apply universally, rather than have them apply only when they don't get int the way of what you want. Kant is the most famous proponent of deontology.

There's an older book, Sophie's World, that goes through a lot of different philosophical approaches to life that might be worth reading with your kids.

There's also an excellent short story, "The Lottery," by Shirley Jackson, that provides a different perspective on utilitarianism.

Finally, I'd also read Peter Singer, who is probably the most famous utilitarian philosopher alive today. His work on vegetarianism is especially influential.  [/quote]

Thanks much for the recommendations!  I just recently re-read "The Lottery" -- the New Yorker email blasts referenced it -- and this would hit home to my kids, although I did not think of it.  I appreciate the note about Sophie's World, which I had not heard of before.  I appreciate it![/quote]

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