Deontology Vs Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is a teological ethical framework that offers a way to analyze the transistor company’s dilemma. Utilitarianism is consequentialist in nature, meaning that the theory only takes in account the consequences of an action to determine if that action is morally right. More specifically, Kay (1997) explains “utilitarian ethics defines morality in terms of the maximization of net expectable utility for all parties affected by a decision or action” (p. X). For example, it would be acceptable to a utilitarian to kill one person if it meant saving two more people. This is in stark contrast with deontological ethics, which prohibits actions that use people as a means to an end.

Overall, deontology is based upon not just by following universal rules or performing what is ought to do, but by respecting human beings as rational beings as well. Deontology judges the ethical motive of an action not by its consequences, merely by the reasoning behind it.

In the context of research, ethics is defined as the systems of moral principles that guide human action (1). Ethics is the reflection of the societies ideals of what is right and wrong. It is required in order for research to be valid and published for an ethics committee to evaluate the proposed research question, design and implementations and provide approval in order for a research project to be considered ethical.

In contrast with deontology, there is utilitarianism, which is a consequentialist theory. Utilitarianists consider consequences to be an important indicator of the moral value of one’s actions (Rich, 2008). In consequentialist analyses, conclusions about what is right or wrong are based on the consequences (Tanner et al., 2008). Utilitarianism is to promote the greatest good for the greatest amount of people that is possible in situations.

In a general sense, Deontological theories determine morality of an action by asking about the action itself.

When faced with adversity and difficult dilemmas, people have different ways to figure out what to do; some people make pros and cons lists while other people just go with their gut. Ethical theories like utilitarianism and deontology, can aid people in making these difficult choices. Utilitarianism focuses on the results of your actions, rather than the intent behind them, as the goal of the theory is the create the greatest good for the greatest amount people. On the other hand, deontology follows a strict moral code concentrating on the right or moral action rather than the results it yields. While utilitarianism and deontology focus on different aspects of decision making, the effect and the intent respectively, they often yield the same result; more often than not the more ethical decision leads to the greater result. These ethical theories are both used in Snow Falling on Cedars by David Gunderson where they both agree on the topics, yielding the same results.

Under deontology, the consequences of an action, like pain or pleasure for utilitarians, are not relevant to whether or not it is ethical (Athabasca University –study guide unit 2 pg. 9 Kantian Deontology). This can be seen when difficult or grievous actions lead to unintended good consequences. For example, an individual knowingly drives a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, causing a collision. The result of this act caused him to seek assistance in addressing his alcohol dependency and become an advocate in preventing further pain and suffering to the general public.

(6)You should not kill an innocent (friendless but healthy) person EVEN IF by doing so (and giving his organs to several others) you could increase net happiness.

Under deontology, the action and decisions a person make are based on what is right from an obligation to moral law. Deontology is bound by its formulation of the categorical imperatives. The first formulation is to always act in such a way that you can also will that the maxim of your action should become a universal

The ethical theories of deontology and the branches of utilitarianism; act and rule, display similarities and differences within the meanings of both. Act utilitarianism theory is the focus on the outcome of an act. Rule utilitarianism is the method of an individual’s actions. The theories of deontology and utilitarianism both present moral rules and values. Deontology focuses on the motives of an action, whereas utilitarianism centers more on the end result. The Act utilitarianism theory is more effective by judging the morality of an action based on the consequences of its outcome.

Through reading, I have come to the conclusion that to be truly utilitarian is to follow a set of rules that respect the individual. By following rules, the approach becomes deontological. Following the rules that respect an individual is moral, making the rules right. Deontology establishes the priority of right over good.

The theory of utilitarianism is one where a person uses the idea of what will do the most good for the most people, or at the very least, harm the least amount of people. This ideal does not take into account doing what is fair for the circumstances. Finally, deontology uses the notion of fairness to determine the solution to an ethical dilemma. The downside to this theory is that it does not consider the end result of the actions, such as

Kant’s theory of deontology and Mill’s theory of utilitarianism provide starkly different approaches to assigning moral value to ethical dilemmas, two modern dilemmas being commercial surrogacy and physician-assisted suicide. This essay will expound upon the process of deciding moral value within each ethical theory and then apply this decision process to the two ethical dilemmas. Arguments will be posited in support or in opposition to the proposed ethical dilemmas according to the ethical theories. The discussion will revolve around the theories as proposed by the specific authors mentioned above in their relevant works.

The purpose of this essay is to analyse and evaluate both Utilitarianism and Deontology from a business perspective. To come up with an answer to the age old question of what is better for business Utilitarianism, Deontology or something else? These two main ethical concepts rule almost all decisions made by companies nowadays. The paper is structured so that first it analyses Utilitarianism and compares it to Deontology by first defining the ethical terms based on current literatures, and later provide real live examples to illustrate the concepts mainly obtained from articles in authoritative sources. A conclusion is then derived from these discussions and examples to evaluate which one is better for business. This is done by drawing up

This research will be based on two types of theories. These theories will be the guiding approaches that will be used in order to come up with the real issue at hand and also be able to provide a solution for the same. The first of the two approaches will be deontological approach and the other will be utilitarianism approach. Therefore, to better understand how to use these two approaches, it is better to first discuss them briefly and have a better understanding of what they are.