preview

John Stuart Mill What Utilitarianism Is Analysis

Decent Essays
Open Document

In this paper I will be discussing the topic of “How Can I Know What is Right?”. I will be using the works of “Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals” by Immanuel Kant and “What Utilitarianism Is” by John Stuart Mill. Immanuel Kant was a philosopher who believed that nothing in this world can be conceived as good except goodwill. John Mill was a philosopher that said that it does not matter the intention as long as there is a benefit. In this paper I will be arguing Kant over Mill.
Immanuel Kant was a German philosopher (then it was Prussia) who believed that nothing in the world could be considered good except for good itself. _________ Kant says “ Kant mentions in his work about how “character qualities” such as intelligence, courage and many more can be used for good or bad purposes but that nothing …show more content…

First what I believe is morally good is good if it comes from within, something willing and with the most positive intention. The way I see it is that utilitarianism does not define or really pursue people to what makes them happy. I side with Kant because he believes that moral principles are rational principles. Whereas Mill emphasizes the good consequences that derive from an act. For example lets say I have a dog who has been very ill, has had cancer for the 3rd time and the vets tell me that its time to put him to sleep. In this moment, I know that to put him down is the best decision for him. I know this is my best intention, it is of my good will and there is no way I can “benefit” from this situation or it can have a “good consequence” for me according to Mill’s theory. I also side with Kant because Mill makes his theory seem like happiness is the sole base of morality and that people never desire anything but happiness, but happiness is not going to tell you if you right or wrong, it will make you feel that you are right but there is no

Get Access