summary‚ is utilitarianism as presented by Mill (sometimes called classical utilitarianism). It is the ethical philosophy that bases right and wrong on the production of happiness. It is also an ethical philosophy that stresses the greatest happiness of the greatest number as seen from an impartial bystander’s perspective. Before we discuss how Mozi’s philosophy can be applied to utilitarian morality‚ a distinction within utilitarianism must be made. Act Utilitarianism vs. Rule Utilitarianism Generally
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that there are two types of utilitarianism in instances concerning overall justice. Julia Driver mentions this in her book Ethics: The Fundamentals. Driver posits that there is a difference between act-utilitarianism and rule-utilitarianism (Driver 64). Act-utilitarianism deals more with what classical utilitarianism believes. It follows the belief that one should choose the action that has the best outcome for the most amount of people‚ even if it means
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actions are considered in the rules of thumb. Utilitarianism is a species of consequentialism‚ which focuses on the greater good. Utilitarianism states that an act is right if and only if it produces more happiness and pleasure than unhappiness and pain. When we do utilitarianism‚ we aim to maximize overall happiness and minimize pain. In this essay‚ I will explain and defend the moral theory of utilitarianism. According to the theory of utilitarianism‚ an action is right if it brings the best possible
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Mara Kaouzova Professor Anthamatten Philosophical Ethics April 3 2013 Utilitarianism: ------------------------------------------------- The Greatest Happiness for the Greatest Number In the ethical debate‚ a divide has long existed between two models. One school of thought‚ notably Immanuel Kant’s Deontology‚ emphasizes the importance moral motivation‚ the other‚ represented by Consequentialism‚ emphasizes the importance of the outcome. Consequentialism is distinguished from the deontological
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Simply put‚ Utilitarianism states that one should act on what would bring the greatest happiness or benefit to the greatest amount of people. Therefore‚ a utilitarian would agree to push two heaviest passengers overboard to save the six. While it violates our morals to kill two people‚ a utilitarian would explain their choice with the integrity objection. In the situation of the lifeboat‚ one is faced with a situation that does not present a perfect outcome. However‚ a utilitarian would say that
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Utilitarianism is a moral theory which centers on happiness and how we can promote it‚ and is measured by our actions. Utilitarianism explains how human’s ultimate goal is to achieve happiness. This is also called hedonism‚ limiting the amount of pain and equating happiness with pleasure. This theory explains how we aim for happiness through our actions. According to hedonism‚ when a person wishes to act ethically‚ they should strive to produce the greatest possible amount of happiness for the greatest
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Deontology Deontology steps in where utilitarianism fails‚ utilitarianism fails in the idea that there are absolutely morally forbidden actions. But‚ in reality‚ even the worst actions are not always wrong‚ given extreme circumstances. Deontology is all about duty and moral laws. For instance‚ if a person does a good act‚ and it has a good outcome‚ from a utilitarianistic view‚ this person was right. However‚ in deontological view‚ this person is only right if the decision was made or action
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DEONTOLOGY vs UTILITARIANISM The theory of deontology is derived from the writings of German philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). Kant stated that a universal law should provide the basis for each act‚ and that the intention was of more importance than the result. Deontology is a duty-based ethical position‚ where one ’s actions are based on what is ethically correct‚ regardless of the consequences (Porche‚ 2004). Deontological theories hold that actions are morally right
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Mill’s Utilitarianism 1. The main topic discussed in Mill’s for is obviously Utilitarianism and his own interpretation of the definition and what it means. Mill also talks about the misconception people have about utilitarianism and the basis behind his theory. Mill interprets utilitarianism and describes it as happiness and pleasure. He describes how people seek happiness with only the absence of pain. Mill’s theory also goes on the dictate that there are different levels of happiness and it can
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Assess the merits of Utilitarianism (24 Marks) Utilitarianism is a theory aimed at defining one simple basis that can be applied when making any ethical decision. It is based on a human’s natural instinct to seek pleasure and avoid pain. Jeremy Bentham is widely regarded as the father of utilitarianism. He was born in 1748 into a family of lawyers and was himself‚ training to join the profession. During this process however‚ he became disillusioned by the state British law was in and set out
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