Compare And Contrast Deontology And Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism believes the most ethical thing to do is to maximize the happiness within a society. Actions are to have calculable outcomes and ethical choices must be pleasing to the majority of society members; "the ends justify the means". For example, an officer assigned to police a rally in support of marijuana may observe an individual within the group selling it to others. According to the law, the officer has the duty to arrest the individual. But he may choose not to if he maintains a utilitarian perspective. In not arresting the individual, more of the group would be happier compared to the number of unhappy individuals. Whereas utilitarianism focuses on an outcome, deontology focuses on ethical actions. Deontologists believe