Utilitarianism A Moral Theory - 1862 Words

Research problem Utilitarianism is a moral theory that evaluates the rightness or wrongness of an action depending on its consequences. The criteria for this evaluation is how the action impacts the well-being of those involved. To put it simply, utilitarianism is concerned with whether the action brings the best outcome for those affected by it (Visak, 2013: 19). Whilst utilitarianism allows for different conceptions of well-being, depending on which value theory is used to measure it (giving place to different versions of utilitarianism, such as hedonistic or preference utilitarianism), the concept of well-being itself is inseparable of utilitarian ethics, as it is considered the ultimate value (Visak, 2013: 19). As a theory that is†¦show more content†¦In the case of humans, the hedonistic utilitarian can also point to indirect reasons, such as the fear the killing may bring into the rest of society (if they find out about the killing, other members of society may fear they will be too), and the suffering the death may bring to the friends and relatives of the victim. Nevertheless, it is remarkable that none of these reasons refer to the loss of the victim herself. Typically, we do not condemn the killing of an innocent being due to the effects it may have on others (although it could be an aggravating factor), but due to the loss suffered by the victim herself. For these reasons, historically, utilitarianism has been accused of not having a strong enough stance against killing (see, for example, Henson, 1971). Relevantly for our discussion, note how this problem is more pressing when it comes to non-human animals. First, the preference utilitarian reasons against killing do not apply to the majority non-human animals, or only do so weakly. The majority of animals do not have plans or hopes or the future, and if they do, these attitudes are only projected into a near future. Furthermore, they do not appear to have the mental capacity to envision their life as a whole, an ability that is frequently considered a prerequisite to hold an explicit preference to continue your life (Cigman, 1981;Show MoreRelatedThe Moral Theory Of Utilitarianism1725 Words   |  7 PagesNumerous moral theories have surfaced in the past years. They have been widely debated by philosophers and social reformers. It is important to understand what these theories are b ecause of their influential tendencies in the way people act, especially in making morally right or wrong decisions. Utilitarianism is one of these many moral theories. Upon further analysis, problems with utilitarian thoughts are revealed. It has been widely debated by many philosophers, including G.E. Moore and ImmanuelRead MoreUtilitarianism : The Moral Theory977 Words   |  4 PagesUtilitarianism is the moral theory that emphasizes â€Å"the greatest happiness for the greatest number† (Clark, Poortenga, 2003). John Stuart Mill was a philosopher who believed in the principles of utilitarianism. He believed that humans desire for happiness and pleasure; therefore humans would be motivated to act morally in order to obtain that happiness (Clark, Poortenga, 2003). Mill’s approach has strengths, weaknesses, and is not fully equipped to hold true for all circumstances. Mill’s approachRead MoreThe Moral Theories Of Utilitarianism1908 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"Vuty† or â€Å"Dirtue† Ethics The moral theories of utilitarianism, duty ethics, and virtue ethics each offer particular guidelines on how to live a good and moral life. While on their own these theories have various faults that make them unsustainable, I have found that the combination of the Categorical Imperatives in duty ethics along with the importance of having a moral character in virtue ethics can possibly create a rational moral theory. Though this theory I have created is not without flawsRead MoreUtilitarianism : A Moral Theory1885 Words   |  8 PagesUtilitarianism can be defined as a moral theory that is generally considered to have been founded by Jeremy Bentham who was a 19th century English philosopher and social reformer whom the panopticon is also attributed to. At the center of utilitarianism is happiness, which is in fact the ultimate goal of all human beings. To be happy and promote happiness. According to classical utilitarianism, when a person wants to act in an ethical way, he or she sho uld strive to bring about the greatest possibleRead MoreAct Utilitarianism And Its Moral Theory875 Words   |  4 PagesAct-utilitarianism is the view that the rightness or wrongness of an action is to be judged by its consequences, that is the maximisation of utility - whether or not said action is good or bad (Smart 2000). In the scenario presented, an act-utilitarian would suggest that one is morally permitted to pull the lever and kill one in order to save five lives. However, this moral theory does not compare with the majority of people’s instincts– this suggests that act-utilitarianism is problematic and doesRead MoreUtilitarianism : The Utilitarian Moral Theory Essay968 Words   |  4 PagesUtilitarianism-Module 5 1. In its general form, what is the utilitarian moral theory? In its general form, the utilitarian moral theory advocates that an action is morally right if it serves the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. 2. What is hedonism, and what is hedonistic utilitarianism? And, what was Epicurus s view about pleasure? Hedonsim is the principle that suggests that pleasure is the motivator of one’s life and hedonistic utilitarianism is when ethics is determinedRead MoreUtilitarianism : The And Influential Moral Theories890 Words   |  4 PagesUtilitarianism is one of the most renowned and influential moral theories. The basis of act utilitarianism is maximizing utility, that is, doing the things that maximize happiness over suffering. Utilitarians reject moral codes that are based on customs or traditions given by leaders or supernatural deities because they judge the truth or justifiability of morality as its positive contribution to all beings. Both act utilitarians and rule utilitarians concur that the overall aim in determining theRead MoreEffectiveness of Utilitarianism as a Modern Moral Theory927 Words   |  4 Pageslogic: the appeal to human understanding of the world. While a number of moral theories exist, none of them is more well documented that Utilitarianism, which focuses o n the maximization of total utility. I will discuss the theory initially, and then identify the major problems associated with it. I will conclude with a rationale as to how effective Utilitarianism is as a modern moral theory. Utilitarianism is quite a broad theory, with different constructs. However, the underlying agenda is the same:Read MoreMoral Theory Of Max Act Utilitarianism1576 Words   |  7 PagesMax Act Utilitarianism Kirill Parshin University of San Francisco  Ethics is all about principles of right conduct. Under the umbrella term, consequentialism has a much more specific moral theory known as max act utilitarianism. Max act utilitarianism is one of the most well known and influential theories that provides the best notion for the theory of right conduct. After a brief explanation of act utilitarianism, the argument of this paper will then seek to favor why act utilitarianism providesRead MoreMoral Theories Of Utilitarianism And Deontological Ethics1266 Words   |  6 PagesMeredith Gunning Final Examination December, 6, 2014 Section A Moral theories of Utilitarianism and Deontology Utilitarianism and deontological ethics are two major theories of ethics, specifying and justifying moral principles. Utilitarianism has been clarified by Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873). Bentham proposed that actions are based upon the consequences (Moreland, 2009), and ongoing work on his theory will help in providing grounds for legal actions. His ideas regarding