Preview

Comparing Utilitarianism Versus Kant's Theory

Satisfactory Essays
Open Document
Open Document
204 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Comparing Utilitarianism Versus Kant's Theory
How we as a human beings determine what is good or bad action and what moral principles must we follow in life? Many famous philosophers were trying to answer this question and come up with a great moral theory that will benefit everyone. Both Utilitarianism and Kant’s theory provide human beings with moral structures from which to make decisions in life. It is significantly important to first understand the basic principles involved in each theory and then compare the advantages and disadvantages of that theory. Only then it is wisely to choose which theory is more appropriate and practical in everyday life decision making. The best way to understand and compare Utilitarianism vs Kantianism is to see their difference in a real life situation.

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Best Essays

    The contents of this paper will analyze the GM ignition case using several concepts taught in ethics. This will include a background of the issue as well as a detailed evaluation of the decision by GM from the utilitarianism and Kantian perspective. This will show that GM’s decision was morally wrong as well as prove that GM should be held morally responsible for their actions.…

    • 3185 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Best Essays
  • Good Essays

    Utilitarianism revolves around the concept of “the end justifies the means.” It believes that outcomes as a result of an action have a greater value compared to the latter, the morally right action is the action that produces the most good. It also states that the most ethical thing to do is to take advantage of happiness for the good of the society. This normative theory considers the overall good for all people and not just a single person.…

    • 517 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Utilitarianism theories hold that the moral worth of actions or practices is determined by their consequences. An action or practice is right if it leads to the best possible balance of good consequences over bad consequences for all affected parties. (Arnold, pp 17)…

    • 790 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Eth 316 Week One Essay

    • 537 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The utilitarianism theory of ethics focuses on weighing options for actions and the choice made depends on the course of action that has the best consequences for the individual. This approach gives little consideration to the morals as long as the outcome benefits one’s self, even at the expense of some individuals. Morality issues receive consideration if the action taken is a moral one. For example, a person may not personally believe in war, but a soldier will serve when called because he or she believes in serving his or her country (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011).…

    • 537 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Comparing and contrasting ethical theories helps one to understand ones guidance system which helps or aides one through their decision making process. “Each theory emphasizes different points such as predicting the outcome and following one's duties to others in order to reach an ethically correct decision.” (2011) Each theory has a familiar thread with an end goal. In this paper each of the following three ethical theories utilitarianism, Virtue, and Deontological will be described relating to ethics and morality. Concluding with a personal experience with which the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to utilitarianism.…

    • 397 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In terms of utilitarianism, actions are evaluated by the outcome. What we should do is to maximize the good outcomes and minimize the bad outcomes. The most promising way of reaching the final decision is to choose the one that would bring about the greatest net benefits to everyone affected by the action once the harms had been taken into account.…

    • 492 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    This essay aims to argue the views of two different theorist, Jeremy Bentham and Immanuel Kant, with regards to their views on moral worth of an action. The idea of good and bad creates heated debates among many, but this essay will successfully unravel the layers of Bentham’s theory of Utilitarianism and his belief that all our motives are driven by pleasure and pain. While arguing Kant’s opposing argument that moral worth of an act revolves around democratic attitudes, and that moral truths are founded on reasons that is logical to all people. When one breaks down both theories, it occurs that Kant’s theory comes out to be the more sensible one in numerous aspects.…

    • 281 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Jeff Is The Culprit

    • 110 Words
    • 1 Page

    Jeff is the culprit. Since only one person is telling the truth, Bradley is the one that is not lying. Sarah is lying about Bradley being guilty, and Jeff is lying about being innocent. This is the only situation where one person is telling the truth. For instance, if Bradley was the culprit, then both Sarah and Jeff would be telling the truth. If Sarah was the culprit, both Jeff and Bradley would be telling the truth. The situation where Jeff is the culprit is the only one that matches the criteria of one true statement. Therefore, Jeff is the culprit, and Bradley and Sarah are innocent of this…

    • 110 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    From the vantage point of the history of ethical theory, there can be little doubt…

    • 136 Words
    • 1 Page
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Kant And Utilitarianism

    • 730 Words
    • 3 Pages

    According to Kant, he believes that the only thing unconditionally good is good will. Good will is the idea of people having to do ones moral duty. Kant’s ethical theories are based off of the categorical imperatives. Categorical imperatives, as stated during class, act only on those rules that you can rationally will to be universal. In response to Kant’s theory, I believe that good will is not the only thing that is unconditionally good. I believe this because there will be many instances in life where having a good will can lead to tragic situations.…

    • 730 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Shaw and Barry

    • 932 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Two different forms of utilitarianism are described in our text. The first is called act utilitarianism. According to Shaw and Barry, act utilitarianism states that we must ask ourselves what the consequences of a particular act in a particular situation will be for all those affected (p.60).…

    • 932 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    In this essay we will discuss what Kant’s and a utilitarian’s view on insider trading would be. As we have discussed in previous essays, Kant believed that moral rules could be known through reason and not just by observation (Shaw and Barry 69). For me this is the basis of all decisions that we make and why I would support Kant’s point of view on insider trading. Utilitarianism concentrates on producing the greatest amount of happiness and using it as a standard to determine if an action is right or wrong (Shaw and Barry 62). Utilitarianism requires too much concentration on individual aspects of what the greatest happiness is and basing moral standards around them.…

    • 780 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Kant Vs Utilitarianism

    • 318 Words
    • 2 Pages

    Utilitarianism and Kant’s respective have different ways for demonstrating whether an act we do is right or wrong. Corresponding to Kant, we should look at our maxims, intentions, of a particular action. Kantians believe “If we are rational, we will each agree to curb our self-interest and cooperate with one another” (Shafer-Landau, Russ 194). In other words, humans are rational beings capable of rational behavior and should not be used purely for self-interest. On the other hand, Utilitarian’s believe that we should do actions that produce the greatest amount of happiness. However, this could associate using people as mere means and lead to the sacrifice of lives for the greater good.…

    • 318 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Good and Evil in High Noon

    • 1373 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Utilitarianism is an ethical theory most often ascribed to the philosopher John Stuart Mill. The utilitarian theory suggests actions and/or intentions are not right or wrong; rather the morality of a choice or act is determined by the outcome or result. Utilitarian’s believe outcomes can be determined in advance of an action and the ethical choice is one which provides the best result or most happiness for the greatest number of individuals (e.g., pleasure, happiness, health, knowledge, satisfaction). The utility theory asserts morality is a means to some other end, it does not stand on its own as being intrinsically moral.…

    • 1373 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Ethics Intro Paper

    • 729 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Utilitarianism is the approach to ethics that focus on choosing the act that has the best consequences (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011). The utilitarian will view all the good and bad produced by the act (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011). Utilitarian’s do not view the difference in chosen act based as moral issues. Acts are classified as morally right or wrong only if the action has consequences that have a result that has a preferred manner (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011). Utilitarianism focuses on the act on the individual performing the action. Utilitarianism only addresses morality if the act is the preferred action but if not, morality does not play a role in basing decisions (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2011). Ethics is not viewed in utilitarianism as well because decisions are based on best outcome for the individual.…

    • 729 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays