Utilitarian vs. Kantian - 1200 Words

This paper was written during the final exam for an ethics class, from memory. As such, there are no referances, but it still makes for a pretty good outline for a paper on utilitarian and Kantian ethical theories. With so many varying views on morals and ethics, trying to use reason in ethics without resorting to emotional judgments is difficult. The first stop to overcoming this obstacle is to begin by studying ethical theories. Once a good grasp of the theories has been established, the next task is to create an extreme hypothetical situation and apply the theories to it. Once this can be achieved correctly, it will become easier to make ethical decisions in day-to-day life. Following this process the situation is thus:†¦show more content†¦Kantian Ethical Theory says to turn the one into a fine red mist. Looking at this scenario from Utilitarian point of view is much simpler than the Kantian view. The reason for this is because utilitarianism is consequence driven; ergo it does not matter if the one or the nine blows up the one, or if they abstain from ventilating the one. Either way, the end state is the same, no matter whose hand (or faces, pants and shirts) the blood is on. Now in order for this scenario to be resolved by utilitarianism, some assumptions must be made. When we say that the ten are average people, we assume that they all have the average number of friends, family, skills, knowledge, and abilities; for if any one of these is different for one of the individuals, then it would change the amount of utility if that one person lives or dies. This being said, there would be no need to compute the hedonic calculus, since the net outcome would be the same (x) for any one of the ten. Therefore it is a simple matter of which is greater, x or 9x. From this, it is c lear that either by choice of the one or the nine, the one should be first to greet his/her maker.Show MoreRelatedEssay about Kantian vs Utilitarian Ethical Parameters990 Words   |  4 Pagessituations and determine the ethical parameters in which a person should act. The two philosophical approaches that I will examine the situations with the Kantian and Utilitarian point of view. Kant deciphers his ethical questions by examining a persons motivation for performing an act regardless of the consequences. A person who utilizes the Kantian view believes that the only pure good is pure human reason without consequences. This pure human reason works without the influence of human emotionsRead MoreEhtics in ABC Corporation Essay945 Words   |  4 Pagesthis material fact to DEF because Johnnie is Tommy boss, so he is afraid of getting fired by Johnnie. So, we decided to use Kantian vs. Utilitarian to see whether tommy should disclose this information to DEF. First, the idea behind the Kantian approach is that every human being has an inherent worth because humans have worth in and out of themselves. Nonetheless, the Kantian approach depended on the categorical imperative. The Categorical imperative says â€Å"one ought to act such that the principleRead MoreJohn Stuart Mill s Utilitarianism Essay1381 Words   |  6 Pagesthere being many different theories, som e can overlap while others can vary greatly. The two most widely known theories, Utilitarianism and Deontological ethics, greatly conflict with each other. They differ mostly in what they value most, the outcome vs. the action/motive. John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism itself differs from the original form of Utilitarianism created by Jeremy Bentham. Bentham felt that pleasure was wholly good, and that pain to the lone evil in the world, as he said, â€Å"Nature hasRead MoreEssay about Consequentialism: The Global Poor1203 Words   |  5 Pages(Sinnott-Armstrong). Peter Singer is a notable Utilitarian philosopher and a strong supporter of the idea of Consequentialism. When it comes to the issue of the global poor, his consequentialist view is that people should help the poor. He believes that â€Å"if it is within one’s ability to prevent something bad from occurring, and in the process, not sacrifice something of comparable moral good, then one is bound to do itâ⠂¬ ( ONeill vs. Singer: Utilitarian Famine. ). He believes that everyone has thisRead MoreComputer Ethics Term Paper : Security Vs. Privacy1518 Words   |  7 PagesJames Santana Computer Ethics Term Paper Security vs. Privacy Following the terrorist attacks on September of 2001, President George W. Bush signed into law The USA PATRIOT Act. Intended to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, The Patriot Act made changes to surveillance laws that enabled the U.S government to collect computer information about both American and foreign citizens in unprecedented ways. During the following years, through a series of legislative changes and court decisionsRead MoreSecurity Vs. Privacy : Should Edward Snowden Be Pardoned For Leaking1277 Words   |  6 PagesSecurity vs. Privacy Should Edward Snowden be pardoned for leaking thousands of classified NSA documents? An analysis of the merits of the Snowden leaks and the broader issue of security vs. privacy and mass surveillance from the perspective of at least two ethical theories. Following the terrorist attacks on 911, President George W. Bush signed into law The USA PATRIOT Act. Intended to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, The Patriot Act the made changes to surveillance laws thatRead MoreDr. Ethos, The Chief Resident Of A Hospital1591 Words   |  7 Pagesprocedure could go off without a problem. However, the cranky old man would have to die, or rather be killed, in order to successfully treat all the patients. The question is, what would Dr. Ethos do, if he were Utilitarian (Act vs. Rule)? What would Dr. Ethos do, if he were a Deontologist (Kantian)? Utilitarianism John S. Mill describes Utilitarianism, also known as â€Å"The greatest happiness principle†, as a philosophical theory of morality. This theory focuses on the end result, rather than the motiveRead MoreUtilitarianism Vs. Kantian Theory1100 Words   |  5 PagesMelanie Dolechek 3/30/17 PHI Essay #2 Utilitarianism vs Kantian Theory Morality is a complex subject and ethical dilemmas yield differing opinions and theories that have manifested through time by intelligent philosophers. There were two influential philosophers’ names Jeremy Bentham and Immanuel Kant, who formed differing theories, in an attempt to set a uniform approach to ethical dilemmas and morality. Bentham was a firm supporter of Utilitarian theory; which focuses on overall happiness and consequencesRead MoreThe Moral Dispute Of John Stuart Mill And Immanuel Kant1500 Words   |  6 Pagesrendering reward with heaven. Aristotle’s theory and argument will be explored further in this review along with the works of some of his successors. The Moral Dispute John Stuart Mill vs Immanuel Kant Philosopher John Stuart Mill’s theory highlights utilitarianism and Kantian theory would be the total opposite. Mill’s position links happiness with morality and focused solely on the outcomes of an action. Philosopher John Kant’s theory emphasizes the importance of rationality,Read MoreCapital Punishment : Deontology Vs. Consequentialism1165 Words   |  5 Pages Capital Punishment: Deontology vs. consequentialism Subject: Analyze the deontological and consequentialist arguments on both sides of the issue of capital punishment in Gregg v Georgia. In this paper I will present the moral arguments of deontology and consequentialism used to determine whether or not using the death penalty was in fact constitutional. I will present both sides of the arguments and present them in the context of this trial and of similar situations where the arguments could