AST1371, Life, Death and

Morality
Week 6b
Reader: sections 3.1-3.3
Linda Barclay

What is wrong with racism?

We believe that all people are equal!

But what does that mean?

All people are equal

That there are no differences between
people?
That cant be right!

The plain fact is that humans differ, and

the differences apply to so many
characteristics that the search for a factual
basis on which to erect the principle of
equality seems hopeless (Singer, p.17).

All people are equal

OKbut, differences do not correlate with
race (race).
So, whats wrong with racism is that in
incorrectly attributes certain features to
some races and not others.
Asians not more intelligent than Europeans
Africans not better at long-distance running
that others

All people are equal

Singerwell, perhaps there are differences between the races.
But really, even if that were true, should that make a difference
to how we treat people?
the hierarchy of intelligence

Intelligence has nothing to do with many important interests

that human have, like the interest in avoiding pain, in satisfying
basic needs for food and shelter, to love and care for any
children one may have, to enjoy friendly and loving relations
with others and to be free to pursue ones projects without
unnecessary interference from others (Singer, p. 21-22).

The Principle of Equality

All people are equal is a moral
principle about how we ought to
behave:
POE: equal consideration of interests

The Principle of Equality

Does not dictate equal treatment, or
an equal share
-The interest in relief from pain on a
mountain expedition gone very wrong

The equal
consideration of
interests leads to
unequal treatment

A Question
A has lost one of her legs (it cant be saved)
and is danger of losing a toe from the other leg.
B is in danger of losing one of his legs
You have medical supplies for only one person.
You should
(a)Give them to A
(b)Give them to B

Back to racism.
Racism is also a blatant disregard for
the interests of the victimized race
-eg nazis

OKbut is racism really only about

gross discounting of fundamental
interests?

Back to racism.
What about claims about differences in IQ
and social hierarchies?
Singer: even if there were differences in IQ
-we shouldnt reduce our efforts to overcome
other causes of inequality (schooling, for
example)
-Average differences across groups (which are
likely, if true, to be very small) tells us nothing
about the IQ of any individual.

Racism again
Is all of this a bit nave?
In particular, is it really true that we
shouldnt care too much about racist
beliefs?
A hypothetical unequal society (or, just our
own), and why we might not care too much,
False beliefs can be
given the facts.

very dangerous!
(Sometimes they can
be good too!)

Racism (and sexism) again

Most people have an interest in being
treated fairly:
In accordance with merit?

In which case, treatment on the basis

of false beliefs also (potentially)
violates POE

Racism and intrinsically bad

attitudes?
What about bad attitudes (negative feelings
like animosity, hatred, disgust)
Of course, these too could lead to bad
outcomes
But are they bad even if they dont?
-the locked-up Nazi

Which interests count?

They all do!
Including the interests of the racists

The rapist, the murderer, and other

undesirables

A Question
A society is made up of 80% Xs and 20% Ys.
The Xs hate the Ys, and do not want Y children
to attend the schools.
What would the POE say ought to be done:
a. The Y children should be allowed to attend
the schools
b. The Y children should be excluded from the
schools
c. Something else?