Preview

Kantianism Vs Utilitarianism

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1085 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
Kantianism Vs Utilitarianism
Most ethical theories are concerned with what is right or good, and they often attempt to find this by applying a rule or several rules that seem to fit with outcomes that we most commonly find are “good”. An ethical based individual moral objective would be to seek the action that has the most affectionate consequence, a utilitarianism person would argue for the greatest amount of happiness, a Kantianism’s rule would be to follow the categorical imperative, and maybe Natural law, we do what is in accordance with the purpose of what is believed to be morally correct. There are moral theories that consist of no rules, and that morality is simply expressed regarding feelings. Virtue ethics, accommodated by Aristotle, rejects many of these approaches …show more content…
98) Kantianism moral principals was an objective to create ‘Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals’ (pg. 98) Kant believed that morality was acting out of duty. The moral duty exists because the action in itself is good, ethical and how it is ought to be rather than because it is useful. The moral principles of this theoretical system are intended for the higher good of individuals and its basic foundations consist of human virtues, ie. Compassion, care, togetherness, etc. Kant explained how morality is not the doctrine of how we make ourselves happy, but how we make ourselves worthy of obtaining happiness. This theory displays its alterations from utilitarianism which is made up of results on an action rather than the nature of the action …show more content…
Virtue ethics theory states that morality comes from an individual’s character, rather not from rules or laws. There are individuals that seem to know the right thing to do, in the right way, at the right moment. These individuals are defined as virtuous, according to Aristotle. The actions that are performed by a virtuous individual would be acted in a moral manner since they will know what to do in any ethical state of affair.
Rule-based ethics are concerned with what people do, not with the consequences of their actions (do the right thing, do it because it’s the right thing to do, don’t do wrong things). Under this system of ethics, you can’t justify an action by showing that it produced good consequences which is why it’s sometimes called “no-consequentialist.” Individuals who follow rule-based ethics believed that the right thing should be performed in ethical situations, even if it produces more harm (or less good) than doing the wrong

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Satisfactory Essays

    Virtue, utilitarianism, and deontology are all theories that provide a guiding force that measures what is good and what is bad. These theories are what help develop one 's character and choices. Virtue and deontology are nonconsequential ethical theories. Instead of basing the moral judgments on the outcomes of actions like utilitarianism the theories are focused on factors like duty, rights and laws of nature. Ethical theory is defined as an understanding or guidance of how one should conduct themselves when encountering others. (Nicholas Manias, 2013)…

    • 538 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    World War II (WW II) helped hasten the dismantling of the British Empire. As Khan explains on page xii some 5 million persons joined the British military, over half of them came from South Asia. One quote reflects something that was likely echoed by every South Asian soldier who fought for the British crown, “We suffered in the war but you didn’t…we bore this so that we might be free” (Khan xi). As Khan eloquently states, despite what millions of westerners have heard about World War II, “Britain did not fight the Second World War, the British Empire did.”…

    • 332 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Virtue ethics are based on what is meant to be good. A person is of good moral character after a lifetime of habits that lead to excellence (Boylan, 2009). Virtue ethics are composed of standards accepted by the community. These standards are defined by the community and therefore can change throughout life. The morality of an action is not that something be done simply because it is right, but because it contributes to the community (Boylan, 2009).…

    • 510 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Virtue theory differs from the two other normative theories, utilitarianism and deontology; it focuses primarily more on the individual, and their characteristics; whereas the other two focus more on your actions. Virtue ethics encompasses how we should be and which virtues we should acquire. Deontology and utilitarianism is an expression of what we should do, and this differs from personal yearnings and feelings.…

    • 517 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Virtue ethics is based on the person moral characteristics rather than the actions. Utilitarianism goes by the consequences of actions for the overall right or wrong, not intent of the person. Utilitarianism uses the pleasure principle that “pleasure is a clearly identifiable end to which all humans strive” (Boylan, 2009, p.155). This principle can result in pleasure pain or neither. Deontology moral theory focuses on independent moral duties or rules. Action is recommended based on the principle of deontology. “Principle is justified through an understanding of the structure of action, the nature of reason, and the operation of the wall” (Boylan, 2009, p.171). The decisions, duties and rules of the deontological system determined by God. These theories all cater to ethics in their own way. They all have different qualities that stress the reason why certain actions are…

    • 838 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Powerful Essays

    | Virtue ethics is an approach to ethics that emphasizes the character of the moral agent, rather than rules or consequences, as the key.…

    • 580 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Powerful Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    The Utilitarianism ethics theory suggest that an action is morally correct when it maximizes the total utility to produce more good than bad, or more happiness than suffering. Utilitarianism does not relate to morality nor ethics because these are actions are taken in order for the most usefulness, no matter the outcome or end result. Also if we do not know the end result of something we cannot determine if it is ethical or not.…

    • 454 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Virtue ethics is a theory used to make moral decisions. It does not rely on religion, society or culture; it only depends on the individuals themselves. Aristotle is the main philosopher of Virtue Ethic. Aristotle’s writings have been read more or less continuously since ancient times, and his ethical treatises continue to influence philosophers working today.…

    • 705 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    There are three main approaches to ethical theory. The three areas are utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Utilitarianism is often thought of as the consequences. In a utilitarian’s mind, the best choice is the one that is made to meet most people’s satisfaction and is ethically correct. The problem with utilitarianism is that as time passes and they begin to have wrong predictions, then the benefit is less for everyone and that person begins to look unethical. Also, there is the possibility for laws to conflict with a utilitarian’s way of thinking, at times they will infringe upon one person’s rights in order to benefit the greater population. Deontological theory states that people should follow their own obligations first and foremost ahead of other individuals or society. In this person’s thinking, they believe that following through with their own obligations is ethically correct. A deontologist has the thinking that they must follow the rules set, no matter the consequences. The biggest fault with a deontologist is that there is no logical basis for setting these rules. Since deontology is not based on specifics of different situations, there is no true guidance when there are conflicting obligations in any situation. Lastly, virtue ethical theory focuses mostly on the character of the person instead of the action that the person is committing. This theory takes into account a person’s morals, reputation and motivation for the act. The biggest fault with this sort of ethical theory is that a person’s change in morals is not considered.…

    • 391 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Virtue Ethics as a “different approach to morality” (MacKinnon, 2012, p. 124), was distinguished from the other ethical theories as one that “is concerned with those traits of character that make one a good person” (MacKinnon, 2012, p. 125). In contrast with the other ethical theories that “are concerned with how we determined what is the right things to do” (MacKinnon, 2012, p. 124), “virtue ethics asks how we ought to be” (MacKinnon, 2012, p. 125).…

    • 186 Words
    • 1 Page
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Good Essays

    Aristotle's ethical theory is known as virtue ethics because at the centre of his description of the good, which are the virtues which shape human character and human behaviour. However, this good human life is one lived in harmony and cooperation with other people, since Aristotle saw people as not only rational beings but as also social beings too.…

    • 1086 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Kant philosophy has contributed in development of "pure" moral philosophy, a "metaphysics of morals" that is based on the concepts of reason, not on empirical observations. According to his philosophy moral obligations are applicable to all human beings as it applies not only for particular person in particular situation, but also to all rational beings in all circumstances.…

    • 477 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Satisfactory Essays

    Ethics Essay Eth/316

    • 750 Words
    • 3 Pages

    The Virtue Theory, also know as Virtue Ethics, refers to the character of each person. This theory states that every person should try for excellence. The characteristics of each individual are made up from their environment that they are a part of. The theory would further suggest that it is not defined as a single moment in each individual’s life but their entire life as a whole. In thinking about the Virtue Theory, it can be explained by stating that each person needs to be the best they can and avoid the need or ability to hurt others. In Basic ethics: Basic ethics in action it talks about Aristotle and his view on virtue ethics to include characteristics or virtues of an individual. There are some that Aristotle would suggest to be the median or virtues such as courage, self-control, proper emotion, and friendliness to name a few. Reviewing these ideals of what characteristics a person should posses would or could be considered common traits of most individuals in the world today. In the simplistic form the virtue theory is about better one self and the other individuals that are around them.…

    • 750 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Satisfactory Essays
  • Better Essays

    Green Car Essay

    • 2027 Words
    • 9 Pages

    The Green Team is the heart of the Green Schools process, both organizing and directing activities at the school. Consisting of the stakeholders of the school environment - students, teachers, custodians, facilities managers, parents and school board members - the Green Team is democratic and can often be run by the students themselves. Whatever the type of school or age group, student involvement in the committee is essential. This group can be charged with coordinating many of the greening activities, making recommendations to relevant school decision-makers, and facilitating communication among -- and actions by -- the whole school community. Use our tips for starting your Green Team.…

    • 2027 Words
    • 9 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    Essay On Virtue Ethics

    • 503 Words
    • 3 Pages

    Virtue is a broad term used in ethics, it identifies with the moral character of a person where some other ethic theories focus on duties and roles or the consequences of an action. Virtue ethics has been broken down into three main theories: eudaimonism, agent-based theories, and the ethics of care. Eudaimonism is based on human flourishing or a person achieving their purpose well. An agent-based theory are based on what other people think are admirable traits in people that are thought to be common-sense intuitions. The third type is ethics of care which came from the feminist thinkers, it challenged the “idea that ethics should focus solely on justice and autonomy; it argues that more feminine traits, such as caring and nurturing, should also be considered” (Athanassoulis, N. (n.d.). Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.).…

    • 503 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays