The Architecture of Utilitarianism
An essay arguing that utilitarianism is a framework that begins with the value of experience, aggregates it across lives, and guides action. I show this structure in Bentham, and how it can be updated.
David Edmonds. Parfit.
My review and notes on a delightful biography of philosopher Derek Parfit.
Alastair Norcross. Morality By Degrees.
My notes on a book that argues that consequentalist ethical theories just judge the degree to which states of the world and actions are better than alternatives.
Books on Utilitarianism
Five recommended books to introduce utilitarianism
William MacAskill. Doing Good Better.
My notes on a book explaining effective altruism’s approach of using evidence and careful reasoning to find how to make the most positive difference.
Daniel Gilbert. Stumbling on Happiness.
My notes on a book arguing that we use imagination to simulate our futures but make systematic errors in forecasting our happiness.
Sam Harris. The Moral Landscape
My notes on a book arguing that we should develop a science of morality rather than relying on divine authority or accepting moral relativism.
Richard Layard. Can We Be Happier?
My notes on a book discussing using happiness evidence to direct policy.
Richard Layard. Happiness: Lessons From a New Science.
My notes on a book that suggests how happiness science should be applied to improve lives.
Peter Singer. The Expanding Circle.
My notes on a book arguing that through reasoning we can take an increasingly impartial concern for the interests of all and broaden the circle of moral subjects to include all sentient beings.
Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek and Peter Singer. Utilitarianism.
My notes on a book introducing utilitarianism.
Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek and Peter Singer. The Point of View of the Universe
My notes on a book that sets out Sidgwick’s utilitarian position, relates it to more recent literature and argues for a modern utilitarianism.