Sabina Leng Outline the important features of utilitarianism (21 marks) The theory of utilitarianism determines the rightness or wrongness of an action by its consequence. The theory uses a teleological approach where it primarily focuses on the amount of pain or pleasure created as the result of a given action. As such‚ it moves beyond the scope of one’s own interests and takes into account the interests of others. Utilitarianism is a relativist system of which most versions do not set out
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the positions based on John Stuart Mill ’s ’Utilitarianism ’ ethical theory‚ and Immanuel Kant ’s ’Categorical Imperative ’ ethical theory. According to Utilitarianism‚ euthanasia can be morally justified‚ whereas according to Kantianism‚ euthanasia is not morally justifiable; but I will argue that neither position provides an adequate resolution to the issue‚ due to the significant flaws that are
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of recreational drug use. And by turning to one of the most influential moral theories‚ utilitarianism‚ I arrive at supporting ethical means founded simply on happiness. Maintaining the intrinsic value of human happiness is one of the most important aspects of universal utilitarianism. Self-determination‚ or the process of self-regulating decisions and actions‚ is another important aspect that utilitarianism concerns itself with. Therefore‚ as human beings‚ we should permit ourselves to the utmost
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Brink offers a reply in two parts to Williams’ claim that Utilitarianism fails to give the appropriate moral weight to an agent’s personal point of view. First‚ Brink (1986: 431) denies that Utilitarianism fails to account for the individual preferences of the agent. He asserts that the Utilitarian recognises autonomy as a valuable component to be considered in Utilitarian calculus. That being so‚ he acknowledges that the principle of impartiality requires that any value to be attributed to an agent’s
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common criticism of utilitarianism can be reduced simply to: "I don’t like it" or "It doesn’t suit my way of thinking". For an example of this‚ here’s something from someone who might prefer to remain nameless. "Producing the greatest good for the greatest number is fine as long as you are not hurting someone you really love in the process. For instance‚ with the trolley situation‚ I would rather kill 5 people on the main track than m mother on the spur track. Utilitarianism runs into problems
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Utilitarianism in the Theory of Punishment – Utilitarian ideology states that it is our duty to whatever will increase the amount of happiness in the world. Applying this ideology to the Theory of Punishment may seem counterintuitive. Taken at face value‚ Utilitarianism is incompatible with punishment‚ because by definition punishment makes people unhappy‚ therefore‚ is immoral under the strict tenants of Utilitarianism. However‚ Utilitarians‚ do see the need for punishment. Punishment restores a
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brother was at the hindsight of my mind‚ consequences for me‚ my brother‚ and extended and nuclear family were an even more important consideration for me. Act-utilitarianism justifies what is right or wrong by the consequences of a situation; this explains why it is the main principle to use for my scenario. This traditional form of utilitarianism focuses on whether an act is morally permissible or required based on the predicted or actual consequences. Because my actual consequences were very similar
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The classical theories of morality are Aristotle’s perspective called Nicomachean Ethics‚ the Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysics of Morals by Immanuel Kant‚ and the Theory of Utilitarianism morality by John Stuart Mill. These classical theories create the basis of morality and moral argument. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory regarding the greater good. It rationalizes; the actions a person makes in their life and says they should be directed towards achieving the greatest happiness for
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Sarah smith 10/8/2013 Deontology and Utilitarianism There are two types of Deontology the first one is‚ one should act based on duty‚ and the second one is action should be based on the right intention and nothing else. Utilitarianism is when you have to think about the majority of the people no matter what the consequences is. It is based on maximizing happiness for everyone involved. I would favor Deontology because I think you should do your duty and only do what is right. If you have the
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Second Writing Assignment‚ PHILO 120 Professor Shelley‚ Tue/Thur 230pm Mill is an heir of an intellectual movement in England known as Utilitarianism; utilitarianism is concerned with the acquisition of pleasure and elimination of pain. John Stuart Mill follows the guidelines of utilitarianism in order to decide if certain actions are moral. Utilitarianism states that a person should perform the action that produces the most pleasurable outcome for every person involved. In order to accurately
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