Act Utilitarianism Theory Essay
Utilitarianism Theory
Ethics involve defending, systematizing and recommending concepts of wrong and right practice or behavior. Ethical theories are categorized into different aspects as per the roles they assume. Using ethical theories, we can assess and question universal truths and function of reason in ethical judgments and moral standards that control evil and right conducts. Utilitarianism theory falls under normative ethics which judges the correct behavior we ought to adopt and the repercussions of our behaviors to others (Birch 20). In the following discussion of utilitarianism, strengths and weaknesses of the theory will prove that it remains a pertinent aspect of attaining morality, and that society can still draw lessons from it.
Utilitarianism consists of two major components – act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism is based on the proposition that we tally the consequences of the actions that we undertake and then conclude if the actions are morally wrong or right. Act utilitarianism views leisure activities as a waste of time and instead we should use that time in engaging in more productive activities. For instance, instead of spending time on the play station or watching movies one could divert the energy to charity work or any …show more content…
Rule utilitarianism observes that a behavioral rule is only morally right if the aftermath of embracing the codes are more satisfactory than unfavorable to everyone. Unlike act utilitarianism which evaluates the consequences of actions, rule utilitarianism provides a “litmus test” based on the morality of the codes, like, “prostitution is evil.” Hence when one engages in prostitution, he/she breaks the code that is morally binding against the act (prostitution). When individuals abide by the ethically binding rules, the consequences will always be favorable for
Ethics involve defending, systematizing and recommending concepts of wrong and right practice or behavior. Ethical theories are categorized into different aspects as per the roles they assume. Using ethical theories, we can assess and question universal truths and function of reason in ethical judgments and moral standards that control evil and right conducts. Utilitarianism theory falls under normative ethics which judges the correct behavior we ought to adopt and the repercussions of our behaviors to others (Birch 20). In the following discussion of utilitarianism, strengths and weaknesses of the theory will prove that it remains a pertinent aspect of attaining morality, and that society can still draw lessons from it.
Utilitarianism consists of two major components – act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism is based on the proposition that we tally the consequences of the actions that we undertake and then conclude if the actions are morally wrong or right. Act utilitarianism views leisure activities as a waste of time and instead we should use that time in engaging in more productive activities. For instance, instead of spending time on the play station or watching movies one could divert the energy to charity work or any …show more content…
Rule utilitarianism observes that a behavioral rule is only morally right if the aftermath of embracing the codes are more satisfactory than unfavorable to everyone. Unlike act utilitarianism which evaluates the consequences of actions, rule utilitarianism provides a “litmus test” based on the morality of the codes, like, “prostitution is evil.” Hence when one engages in prostitution, he/she breaks the code that is morally binding against the act (prostitution). When individuals abide by the ethically binding rules, the consequences will always be favorable for