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Applied Ethics - Simulated Killing - Coggle Diagram
Applied Ethics - Simulated Killing
Utilitarianism
Nozick's experience machine - we prefer physical sensations of pleasure, rather than simulated
Issue: this could lead to murder
However, the sales of violent video games have increased, but also the rates of violent crimes have decreased
Rule Utilitarianism
What principles need to be considered?
Long-term effects of engaging in simulated killing
Can simulated killing lead to murders in real life?
Does it produce more happiness/pleasure in the long run?
Does it fit the utility principle?
Is simulated killing a higher pleasure or a lower pleasure?
Does it produce more pleasure than harm?
No one is physically hurt and it causes lots of pleasure for some
What about the long-term psychological harm?
It causes more harm for those who are troubled by it, but the majority seeks pleasure in it
Act Utilitarianism
What principles need to be considered?
Does simulated killing produce the greatest pleasure for the greatest number of people?
Kantian Ethics
Overall, Kant would have no objection to simulated killing
It doesn't involve a contradiction in will or conception
What principles need to be considered?
Can it be a universalised act without a contradiction in conception/will?
Kantian ethics is deontological - is killing in a simulation still objectively wrong?
Do we have a duty to ourselves or others not to be entertained by simulated killing?
Does simulated killing exercise good will?
If it deters indivuals from killing in real life, then yes
If simulated killing is done for an ulterior motive, then no
Viewpoints to consider
Actors involved in simulated killing in video games/films/plays
Producers of video games containing simulated killing
Individuals engaging in simulated killing
Individuals who do not engage in simulated killing directly, but find pleasure in watching it
Virtue Ethics
What principles need to be considered?
What virtues does it help us develop?
What vices does it cause us to develop?
Does it affect our chance of reaching eudaimonia?
Does it develop bad habits?
What is simulated killing?
The dramatisation of killing within a fictional context - a fictional enactment of killing that the audience see and hear.
Plays
Video games
Films / drama programmes
Fiction books
Why is it a moral issue?
Involves killing
What are the intentions behind it?
Does it promote vices?
Is it right to produce simulated killing for entertainment?
Is there an issue with simulated killing producing pleasure?
What are the benefits / does it produce harm to wider society/individuals?
What is the difference between killing in a simulation and killing in real life?
Why would it NOT be a moral issue?
It is simulated and therefore does not involve actual killing