Review
		Comment				MAIN PATH: John
			John

Utilitarian considerations are necessarily considerations about the consequences of our actions or policies. Anyone who makes an argument for strong affirmative action on the basis of utility must argue that the consequences include more benefits than losses. Ann argues that the benefits do outweigh the losses because of the ripple effects that spread through the black community when strong affirmative action gives better jobs to blacks. She expects role models and increased economic demand to have a large impact on blacks. For her, affirmative action is an 'engine' that starts the 'train' moving. Once blacks believe that they really do have a chance for good jobs, the train will move under its own power.

Fred, on the other hand, believes that affirmative action increases hostility between blacks and whites and strengthens the stereotype of blacks as incompetent. He points to anti-black animosity on campuses and high college dropout rates for black males to prove that the stereotype is being hardened and that affirmative action is not working. These arguments raise two general problems, mentioned by John and Malik. John points out that there is always a problem with utilitarian arguments because of our inability to predict the future. Malik makes a point that several philosophers have made; namely, that if utility can justify discriminating against whites, what will prevent it from being used some day to justify discriminating against blacks?

The speakers made various claims about how strong affirmative action affects blacks or whites or both. It is often claimed that a certain policy will provide good role models that students will follow, or that it will enhance black self-esteem, lower unemployment, or increase or decrease conflict. But there is usually very little empirical evidence put forward to show that these claims are true. Much of the argument rests on well chosen examples and 'common sense.'

It is important to think critically about these claims and to find out what the social sciences can tell us about them.

All of the speakers need more evidence than they have offered.

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