Maximizing expected rightness

Abstract

The author explores the ethical implications of utilitarianism, particularly in the context of decision-making. The author questions the probability of following the correct moral theory and considers whether maximizing the expected rightness across various moral theories might be the optimal approach. This entails calculating the expected value of an action under each theory and choosing the action with the highest expected value. The author also discusses the compatibility of actions with the most popular moral theories, suggesting that this might be a desirable factor in decision-making. The author explores specific real-world examples, such as the allocation of charitable donations and the impact of technological advancements on moral progress, to illustrate the challenges and complexities of applying utilitarian principles in practice. – AI-generated abstract