The term utilitarianism is an ethical tradition that really focuses on the consequences of our actions. Outcomes matter with utilitarianism. When making a decision, we act in ways to produce better consequences than the alternatives. Better consequences can be thought of as anything that promotes the well-being for us as humans. Utilitarianism can be summarized as producing “the greatest good for the greatest number.” This idea opposes benefiting just a small portion of society. The well-being of everyone is considered with utilitarianism. In the Big Apple or Mile High case, the key features of utilitarianism can be applied to help find a solution. The opportunity to accept Big Apple’s job offer is very tempting in this circumstance. However, if I were to act using the features of utilitarianism, I would reject the Big Apple’s job offer. Choosing to accept the job offer, would not be acting in a way in which outcomes matter. The consequences for the society would be far greater if I would accept the Big Apple’s job offer. By accepting Big Apple’s job offer, I would …show more content…
These principles tell us we must follow rules even though they may cause consequences. In a business context, there are many situations in which we must follow laws even if the economic consequences are not desirable. In evaluating the Big Apple or Mile High City case, a deontologist would look at several different facts. The consequences would not play any part in the decision-making process for a deontologist. The ends do not justify the means for this ethical theory. Instead, a deontologist would focus on things like keeping your promises and obeying the law. In the Big Apple or Mile High City case, there was an unwritten rule to stay with Mile High City for at least a year. For a deontologist, this unwritten rule would be essential to the
The word deontology comes from the Greek word “deontos” which means duty (Adams, 2011). Deontology can be defined as doing what is morally correct regardless of the final results as long as they abide by the moral principles. Certain actions, like lying, are never allowed regardless if its outcomes benefit the purpose and no harm is caused. The theory states that whether an action is ethical and follows the moral rules, depends on the intentions behind the decisions (Pieper, 2008). So for an action to be “good” and morally right, it must have been performed at goodwill and abide to moral values.
Utilitarianism is a moral theory that seeks to define right and wrong actions based solely on the consequences they produce. By utilitarian standards, an act is determined to be right if and
Utilitarianism is a philosophical theory. It concerns how to evaluate a large range of things that involve choices communities or groups face. These choices include policies, laws, human’s rights, moral codes,
To apply utilitarianism to this ethical controversy one has to evaluate which option would benefit society
Utilitarianism is a theory in normative ethics supporting the idea that the morally correct course of action is the one that maximizes utility, usually defined as maximizing totally benefit and minimizing suffering. By ‘utility’ in this sense we mean ‘happiness’ or ‘pleasure, or similar. Although there are many varieties,
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory that judges an action on its outcomes and aims to maximize happiness. This means finding the action that generates the “greatest good for the greatest number”.
Utilitarianism is the moral doctrine that we should always act to produce the greatest possible balance of good over bad for everyone affected by our actions (Shaw & Barry, 62).
A utilitarian will focus on the consequences of an act rather than on the nature of the act. In addition to this, happiness of people should be sacrificed only to bring greater happiness to other people. Thus, one must be in total compliance with the wellbeing of all as a whole and not what is in the best interest of themselves to be a true utilitarian. “Utilitarianism, therefore, could only attain its end by the general cultivation of nobleness of character, even if each individual were only benefited by the nobleness of others, and his own, so far as happiness is concerned, were a sheer deduction from the benefit. But the bare enunciation of such an absurdity as this last, renders refutation superfluous” (Mill).
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory, as explained by the philosopher Mill. Given several choices, a utilitarian would pick the morally correct choice by using the Greatest Happiness Principle (487). By looking at whether the consequences of an action will produce the greater happiness for the greater number of people than another action would, one can
Utilitarianism is a moral theory that has long been the subject of philosophical debate. This theory, when practiced, appears to set a very basic guideline to follow when one is faced with a moral dilemma. Fundamental Utilitarianism states that when a moral dilemma arises, one should take action that causes favorable results or reduces less favorable results. If these less favorable results, or pain, occur from this action, it can be justified if it is produced to prevent more pain or produce happiness. Stating the Utilitarian view can summarize these basic principles: "the greatest good for the greatest number". Utilitarians are to believe that if they follow this philosophy, that no matter what action they take, it
The most common use of utilitarianism is by way of consequentialist moral theory. Consequentialists believe that an act’s rightness and wrongness depends solely on its consequences and nothing else. An act is right when the algebraic sum of total utility unit
An overview of what Utilitarianism is, can be some-what explained as a combination of both the theory in Normative Ethics and a form of Consequentialism. In detail, on Utilitarianism, it is a theory in which it is a concern action that will result the utmost amount of pleasure, or happiness, to the vast numbers of persons. (pg.138) Consequentialism “an action is morally required just because it produces the best overall results. (pg.121) This is simply defined as good actions results in happiness. (pg.119) However, a better understanding follows the interpretation of Utilitarianism by J.J.C Smart.
Utilitarianism may have its strengths in the sense that it is considering consequences of each situation and making a decision that is most beneficial to the majority. It is based on consequences, as outlined in HDM (p.69), every situation will be different entailing different facts, which will determine the best situation. By measuring the consequences, the most beneficial outcome can be identified. No act can be entirely right or wrong. The idea of democracy also in HDM (p.69), is a good use of utilitarianism, society will choose who they find most suitable to decide for the city, province, or country. Subsequently, maximizing the good for all. This ethical theory can promote happiness, by deciding what is going to be most beneficial and weighing your options, one can choose what makes them most happy and is suitable to their situation.
Utilitarianism is another theory in which its main objective is to explain the nature of ethics and morality. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory which is based upon utility, or doing that which produces the greatest happiness. According to a utilitarian the morality of act is found just if the consequence produces the greatest overall utility for everyone. However, if the greatest possible utility is not produced, the action is then morally wrong. This view says that a person should act as to produce the greatest overall happiness and pleasure for everyone who may be directly or indirectly affected by the action. Therefore, a utilitarian would require that for every action the corresponding consequences for every action should be thoroughly weighed and alternatives proposed before deciding whether or not to perform such an action.
Utilitarianism focuses on achieving the most good for the highest number by making a decision, which maximizes beneficial consequences and minimizes those that are