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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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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Capital Punishment is a highly controversial and emotional subject in which most people seem to have strong opinions. The debate is by no means new‚ however‚ in my opinion‚ the death penalty is cruel and inhumane. During biblical time‚ capital punishment has been an issue. In writing this paper‚ I intend to argue the topic from a utliitarian point of view using Rawls Priciple of Justice. Utilitarianism revolves around the concept of “the end justifies the means.” It believes that theoutcomes as
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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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Utilitarianism This castaway-esque example brings forth many strong considerations from a utilitarian perspective. The first of many considerations would be that you as the individual ought to do what is deemed morally right for the greatest amount of people‚ maximizing utility and reducing potential suffering of others. In this specific case‚ I would have to not look in my own interest anymore and instead‚ take into account the interests of others (The estranged adult child and woman whom you made
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The Importance of Following Directions Following directions is one of the most basic and fundamental skills necessary to maintain order in today’s society. From the most basic “No!” to a little child to “Don’t drink and drive‚” following directions can save a life and maintain safety‚ create efficiency in the
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themselves whereas utilitarian focuses on rightness or wrongness of the consequences of those actions. Utilitarianism is the idea that the action’s moral value is based on its degree of maximizing pleasure and happiness as a consequence of the action. Hence‚ greater happiness the more beneficial or morally right it is based on this theory. It is a form of consequentialism compared to deontology which only takes into account of the moral value of the action itself regardless of its consequence. Thus
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Utilitarianism Definitions of Justice like “giving individuals what they deserve” or “equal distribution of resources” cause tension with utilitarianism concept because it states that what people ‘deserve’ is not essential as maximizing the overall well-being. The concept of utilitarianism is to maximize happiness or minimize suffering and none of these concepts bears a direct relationship with the concept of justice. So‚ a decrease in suffering or increase in happiness will not correlate with an
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certain principles‚ and we must act from morally pure motivations. Deontology is almost the opposite of utilitarianism. The main difference between deontology and utilitarianism is that deontology is concerned with whether an act is inherently good or bad‚ while utilitarianism believes that only the consequences of an action are significant. Deontology deals with purposes and motivations. Utilitarianism
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from revelation‚ tradition‚ and authority culminates in the autonomous moral theories of the late modern period. The rejection of belief in God led ultimately to new views of human nature The Postmodern World‚ at the start of 20th century‚ moral philosophy was in crisis. Utilitarianism and Kantianism were on uncertain ground. Utilitarianism claims that we have reason to act for the greatest happiness for the greatest number‚ and we are driven toward our own individual happiness. Kantianism
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