“It will know everything. And yet it will not busy itself about knowledge.” Oscar Wilde

Morality is more complicated than I thought. There are principles defining how to act. The two I discovered this week are utilitarianism and libertarianism. They define the rules by which life is lived. There are codes one lives by dictating the choices one makes. “Justice” is similarly ambiguous and subjective. Is it defined by achieving equality? Finding the “fair” thing to do? Is it dictated by what people deserve or by what they need? Beliefs vary as much as anything.

Utilitarianism believes that the moral thing to do is to maximize pleasure over pain. This means that while some may suffer, as long as most prosper, it is worth it. Throwing few to the lions in the name of group entertainment is just. As long as the benefits exceed the downfalls. This is the principle which allows companies to determine which safety features to include in things like cars or household appliances. It can put a monetary value on life in order to way it against the profits a product can bring in. Or, it can deem a life too valuable to risk in any way shape or form. But ultimately, utilitarianism is the cost/benefit analysis of life.

Libertarianism, on the other hand, respects the right to choose. It values the individual. The fundamental right is to live as we please, as long as it doesn’t inhibit others doing the same. It condemns practices such as: taxes , for they are an infringement of property rights; laws, for they restrict what one may do; regulation of companies or products. It is up to the individual to choose how much (or how little) they care about certain things. If one wishes to disregard their health, they may do so. If one wishes to spend money recklessly, let them. The individual chooses what is best for them.