Wednesday, October 14th

Today's Goal:

• Understand Jeremy Bentham's philosophy of Utilitarianism
• Understand John Stuart Mill's philosophy of the Harm Principle and how it relates to Utilitarianism​
• Understand Michael Sandel's framework for Justice

Starter
Take THIS SURVEY about whether or not you buy-in to studying moral/political philosophy

Class Biz

• Essay conference schedule!
• SLC's are next Wednesday. I'll introduce it today at the end of class. You'll have work time in advisory today and next week. 
• School photos-- I'll dismiss you guys by study groups today

Agenda
1. Remember the "lifeboat" scenario from last night's reading? Yeah, sure you do. It's the one about the English sailors adrift at sea, at the brink of starvation?  

• Why, according to a strict Utilitarian would killing Parker, the poor cabin boy, be morally justified?
• ​What are two OBJECTIONS to killing Parker? One uses Utilitarian reasoning, the other does not (p. 33)
• What is the MAIN idea of Utilitarianism?  
• What does Bentham mean when he says, “We are all governed by the feelings of pain and pleasure.  They are our ‘sovereign masters’. They govern us in everything we do and also determine what we ought to do” (34).  How does this apply to the concept of utilitarianism
• ​Watch this video of Utilitarianism in pop culture. Oh heeeeyyyyy!

2. Time to work on the study group discussion questions for Ch. 2

• Review my feedback on Tuesday's discussion and make sure y'all understand my points
• Work TOGETHER on the questions for today

3. Ashley to help clarify any questions remaining from your study group time!

4. Last 10 minutes of class: SLC guidelines

• Rationale for SLC's
• How we're changing them this year and why
• Why your parents will hopefully value this format and why it's a better forum to empower you and your voice!