Wiggins, Wednesday 1 December 1993

Hare

The strength of our interest is measured by our desires.

In aiming at these prescriptions we have equal regard for equal interests [idea A]

In computing what is the best interest at issue we don't discriminate.

We need something else besides the idea [A]

I gradually identify with the occupants of all positions. Then I imagine what each of these positions shouts out in
my head, how loud depends on the intensity of interest, so I can gradually understand it to make this noise die out in
a genuine way of proceeding.

The only thing I can concern with is interest measured by my desires.

If there is an interest of which I am dead, I am taking no interest in this desire. I means I have not understood what
is going on like the fanatic disregards the Jews suffering to endorse the prescription of the nazis.

Would critical thinking bring about the [best regard for all interests?] to maximise satisfaction of preferences.

Intuitive thinking (Mill: secondary principles)

1. Intuitive thinking (rules of thumb)

2. Critical thinking

Doubts:

I) conditional reflection doesn't seem to be true.

b) whether the synoptic synthetic understanding of all possible conditions, a real person will follow these
prescriptions and come out with a solution.

c) the prescriber exercises a rationality of general prudence.

[The prisoner's dilemma: instability of individual prudence]

(To read: in Mackie, the prisoner's dilemma)

Agents are in a worse off position. It is not a sufficient form of rationality. If so, then generating upon individual
prudence will [be no good]

Hare sets out to make morality out of generalised individual rationality.

Doubts:

I. on the level of critical thinking, prescriptions maximising prudences, one may be tempted to treat people
not as ends i.e. without regard for their sovereign wills, i.e. the best solution would be to round up 150 people of a
different ethnical origin.

II. ...
III. Hare: critical thinking coexists with intuitive thinking. So the situations you are thinking are unlikely to
arise.

Question: how critical thinking coexists with intuitive thinking?

In William's example, George divided between accepting the job as a consultant in a war affairs factory, which he
ideologically denounces, in order to feed his family.
(PS. is this not analogous to the prisoner's dilemma? the escape is to get the job)

So critical thinking does not coexist with intuitive thinking.

The critical thinking condescends to that that it depends upon.

To read Williams "Hare and his critics" edited by Seanor & Fotion, OUP.

Next: Consequentialism.
:flac‡™ev„Tecy
"nih…jot
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New YorkÀ
Wiggins 1/12/93
Pandelis Skarvelis
Pandelis Skarvelis