Examples of Utilitarian Calculus in Season 8
Let’s pick up on evidence demonstrating the Doctor’s application of utilitarian principles across season 8. The interesting thing about a consequentialist philosophies, like utilitarianism, is that whilst providing a rational framework for decision-making and potentially being flexible depending on context, utilitarianism relies on a meaningful measurement of abstract terms like ‘happiness’ (which may well differ depending on the individuals concerned - Captain Dent, for example, equates IMC profits as the best measure of happiness), as well as not adequately addressing moral questions of intent. Indeed, intent becomes subservient to consequence (which may lead to morally questionable decisions - as we see with Captain Dent and his Corporate Utilitarianism). Even the Doctor is not immune to such criticisms, especially when weighing up potential consequences (something we might call “utilitarian calculus”). Anyway, let’s take a closer look.
One way that we consistently see the Doctor’s utilitarian focus on outcomes lead to challenging moral quandaries (and we see this across much of the show, not just season 8) is how readily he dismisses and moves on from individual deaths, focussing instead on the greater good of stopping the overarching threat. A fine example of this can be seen in “Colony in Space”. When learning of Ashe’s sacrifice, the Doctor displays momentary sadness (a nicely reflective moment, deftly portrayed by Pertwee), but does not dwell on the man’s death. He basically accepts the sacrifice as necessary. Indeed, it’s difficult to see the Fifteenth Doctor moving on so swiftly from the death of a man he had come to know and respect.
An even more calculating example can be seen in “the Mind of Evil”. Post processing by the Keller machine, it is clear to all that Barnham is extremely vulnerable, compliant and easily led. The Doctor’s attitude towards Barnham is complex and troubling, marked by a shifting perspective that ultimately prioritises the safety of the many over the well-being of this vulnerable individual. As a direct consequence of taking Barnham with him to the final showdown with the Master, Barnham is killed. To quote the Fifth Doctor “There should have been another way!”
We can certainly debate if the Doctor was right in his actions with regard to Barnham, but we must surely all agree that this was a morally questionable decision on the Doctor’s part. Unlike many others (like Ashe) who knew full well what they were doing, Barnham is effectively little more than a child. Whilst Barnham’s death was not certain when they headed off to the hangar, the Doctor would have known that it was a distinct possibility. Indeed, whilst Barnham was immune to the Mind Parasite, he was potentially more vulnerable than anyone to the Master (who, ultimately, kills Barnham without a second thought - as we might expect).
What’s particularly troubling about all this (and there are many aspects that are troubling) is that straightforward application of utilitarian calculus can lead to a greater potential for the justification of harm to minorities. Whilst this is certainly NOT the Doctor’s intent, it is definitely an unfortunate consequence. Barnham, as a man of diminished capabilities (and deeply trusting) is exactly the kind of person that needs protection yet, in “The Mind of Evil”, he is used as a tool to prevent a potentially greater loss of life. Again, it’s difficult to see the Fifteenth Doctor behaving like this - although there IS a troubling parallel with 15’s attitude towards Colonel Chidozie in the time window sequence (“The Legend of Ruby Sunday”). Consider this exchange:
DOCTOR: (To Chidozie) Is there anything there?
KATE: Colonel Chidozie, you will return to your position.
DOCTOR: Just see if there’s anything there.
KATE: Doctor, you said not to move.
DOCTOR: I know! I know. But just… just look.
And we all know the consequences of this insistence on the part of the Doctor. Kate was rightly angry. The big difference, of course, is the deep pain that the Doctor feels over Chidozie’s loss shortly thereafter, requiring Mel to call him out and tell him to “Stop grizzling.”
The Doctor may have grown emotionally, but that recklessness with other people’s lives, that tendency towards utilitarian calculus… it’s still very much a part of him.
