Utilitarianism And Its Moral Value - 1389 Words

Utilitarianism is a theory that delineates the bounds of morality with respect to actions taken by individuals in terms of what produces the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. The principle seeks to define first the morality of an action, allowing for the morality of a person to be derived based on the intent behind the respective action. The fundamentals of a person’s morality are then presented in a form that labels the person behind a morally defined action as either praiseworthy or blameworthy, a conclusion based directly on the intent behind an action. The central concept behind utilitarianism, happiness, requires that there be an objective fact of the matter about how much happiness exists. Before defining happiness, instrumental and intrinsic value must also be introduced, as they are necessary concepts for defining the relationship between an action and its moral value. Instrumental value revolves around a certain â€Å"anything’s† usefulness in seeing a process through completion, while a certain â€Å"anything’s† intrinsic value stems from existential value alone. For example, a pair of glasses’ instrumental value comes from its usefulness in allowing a person to see clearly, while happiness itself is the certain â€Å"anything† with intrinsic value. As such, happiness exists as a plausible measure in defining the morality behind an action. If happiness is the only â€Å"anything† that has value simply in and of itself, then measuring total net happinessShow MoreRelatedEthics Vs . Kantian Ethics1249 Words   |  5 Pagesthought that would best govern human decision making. Two prominent ethical theories that arose were utilitarianism and deontological ethics. Both ethical theories developed to establish and justify a set of different moral rules and principles. Utilitarianism, otherwise known as consequentialism, is an ethical theory that sees the best moral decision is one that maximizes utility, which implies that no moral decision is intrinsically right or wrong. Deontological ethics or Kantian ethics is a normativeRead MoreThe 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 because 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, prob lems with utilitarian thoughts are revealed. It has been widely debated by many philosophers, including G.E. Moore and ImmanuelRead MoreThe Similarities and Differences Between Different Ethical Theories651 Words   |  3 PagesSimilarities and Differences in Ethics: The main aim of any ethical theory is to do what is right and good since it involves moral rules or acting based on specific ethical values. In certain cases, the right and good as well as the ethical rules and values are sometimes common to various ethical theories. Even though ethical theories have different reasons for application, there is an overlap in these theories that result in similar conduct in an ethical situation. There are various ethical theoriesRead MoreUtilitarianism, By John Stuart Mill1365 Words   |  6 Pages In John Stuart Mill’s book Utilitarianism, he argues for the defense of utilitarianism, an age old theory originally developed by Jeremy Bentham that states the proper course of action is the one that maximizes happiness. The course of action that maximizes general happiness is also the only true standard for moral assessment. Mill also introduces the idea of ‘first principle’ which states that it is not acceptable for individuals to ch aracterize actions as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’, because it isRead MoreUtilitarianism : Theory And Contemporary Issues1350 Words   |  6 Pagesof utilitarianism provides a solution to this but at what cost? What are the benefits and disadvantages of utilitarianism? Is utilitarianism an idea one should live by? What is utilitarianism? I plan on answering these questions within this paper and understand how they relate to everyday life. I will also look at arguments for and against utilitarianism. Then analyze the appealing and unappealing features to determine if utilitarianism should be followed as an absolute rule. Utilitarianism canRead MoreConsequentialism And Consequentialism : Virtue Ethics, Consequentialism, And Deontology1200 Words   |  5 Pagesbased on various criteria such as obligation, human rights, and virtue. More precisely, it is a development and establishment of one’s moral principle. And under the normative ethics, there are three categories of ethical frameworks: virtue ethics, consequentialism, and deontology. In this essay, I will more concentrate on consequentialism, especially utilitarianism, and deontology to make compare and contrast analysis of each other and how each case works differently and causes divergent result inRead MoreEssay about Eth 316 Week 1764 Words   |  4 Pages2013 Tammy Matthews Introduction Utilitarianism, deontological, and virtue theory ethics are three normative approaches to ethics. This paper will go over the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological principles. It will include information of the variations in how each concept details ethics, morality, and it will also discuss a personal experience to describe the correlation between virtue, values, and moral perceptions as they relate to one ofRead MoreUtilitarianism And The Political And Economic Aspects Of Development1493 Words   |  6 PagesUtilitarianism in the political and economic aspects of development has been widely recognized and human social practice plays a huge impact. But the utilitarian always at the place of criticism, misunderstanding. People tend to equate utilitarianism simply with individualism. In fact, the means of utilitarianism not only consider a behaviour and motivation, and to emphasize life purpose should emerge to the scope of his own h appiness, to care about other people s happiness and the improvement ofRead MoreDescribe the Main Principles of the Two Normative Ethical Theories of Deontology and Utilitarianism. Compare and Contrast the Two Theories, Bringing Out Any Problems or Limitations You See in Each.1652 Words   |  7 PagesDescribe the main principles of the two normative ethical theories of deontology and utilitarianism. Compare and contrast the two theories, bringing out any problems or limitations you see in each. Bioethics Essay †¢ Intro: Define ethics and define and introduce the two theories. (philosophical theories†¦) †¢ Utilitarianism- example †¢ Deontology- example- compare †¢ comparing- evaluating and critically analyzing*- similarities and differences. †¢ Limitations and positives* Read MoreUtilitarian Arguments1681 Words   |  7 Pagesit may be, sacrificing the few for the good of the many. Utilitarian moral theories evaluate the moral worth of action on the basis of happiness that is produced by an action. Whatever produces the most happiness in the most people is the moral course of action. I will give the best arguments against Utilitarianism, and show in my own opinion, why I think they are wrong. The strongest counterargument against Utilitarianism would have to be Sterling Harwood’s eleven objections to the theory.

Siddhartha Dualism vs Monoism Free Essays

Western thought also states that e must live moral and just lives, free of sin. If I had to decide which philosophy is more forgiving and nurturing towards people, I would have to say that the Eastern realm of thought is less biased than the Western thought. Although I do not believe in a certain faith or god, Eastern thought appeals to me greater as opposed to the biased Western thought. We will write a custom essay sample on Siddhartha Dualism vs Monoism or any similar topic only for you Order Now The divine nature of the Eastern faith is more lenient and clear on underlying their concept and principles of a moral life. Western philosophy, as stated before is more biased towards its own beliefs. Western thought states that in order to reach salvation, you must follow the bible and live by Its guidelines and that you only get one chance at redemption and that everything else Is evil and a sure way to damnation. Eastern thought Is more lenient towards achieving the ultimate goal. Monism states that you don’t have to be a monk or a spiritual man to achieve salvation but you can learn to achieve salvation introspectively through your own way. Where as Dualism weighs people on sin, Monism weighs people based on Karma. Karma is the basic concept that every action will have an equal reaction in the future. Dualism states that we are all Judged by our Karma. Monism is clearer on the cycle of life and says that our Karma will determine what we will be reincarnated as. Western thought however states that we are weighed by our bad actions and that we only get one more chance at redemption or we do not reach salvation at all. To sum It up, monism has a very forgiving policy on redemption. In Western faith, It Is said that after one has parted from the physical world, he or he shall be Judged by the ultimate Judger to see If he or she Is worthy of salvation. In Eastern faith, once one has parted into the spirit world and has reached enlightenment, he or she shall live in everlasting bliss and get answers to all his or he questions. In all honesty, I think the afterlife is an illusion and that once we part from this world, it’s over. The afterlife seems to be a little farfetched and too vague for it to be true. And even if there are spirits resembling about, we never seem to see them come alive. Eastern thought however seems a little more reasonable and self- explanatory rather than the west’s notion of the afterlife. There are many deferent faiths in this world that millions believe in. Religion is a very powerful, very influential force in the world. There are many different view, different morals and different guidelines. One thing they all have in common Is the goal to reach salvation In an unknown afterlife. There are many evils that come from religion but good can also come from It as well. No belief Is true, there Is no one proper way how to live one’s life. Society may set the laws and regulations that How to cite Siddhartha Dualism vs Monoism, Papers

Of seeming wise Essay Example For Students

Of seeming wise Essay It hath been an opinion, that the French are wiser than they seem, and the Spaniards seem wiser than they are. But howsoever it be between nations, certainly it is so between man and man. For as the Apostle saith of godliness, Having a show of godliness, but denying the power thereof; so certainly there are, in point of wisdom and sufficiently, that do nothing or little very solemnly: magno conatu nugas. It is a ridiculous thing, and fit for a satire to persons of judgment, to see what shifts these formalists have, and what prospectives to make superficies to seem body, that hath depth and bulk. Some are so close and reserved, as they will not show their wares, but by a dark light; and seem always to keep back somewhat; and when they know within themselves, they speak of that they do not well know, would nevertheless seem to others, to know of that which they may not well speak. Some help themselves with countenance and gesture, and are wise by signs; as Cicero saith of Piso, that when he answered him he fetched one of his brows up to his forehead, and bent the other down to his chin; Respondes, altero ad frontem sublato, altero ad mentum depresso supercilio, crudelitatem tibi non placere. Some think to bear it by speaking a great word, and being peremptory; and go on, and take by admittance, that which they cannot make good. Some, whatsoever is beyond their reach, will seem to despise, or make light of it, as impertinent or curious; and so would have their ignorance seem judgment. Some are never without a difference, and commonly by amusing men with a subtilty, blanch the matter; of whom A. Gellius saith, Hominem delirum, qui verborum minutiis rerum frangit pondera. Of which kind also, Plato, in his Protagoras, bringeth in Prodius in scorn, and maketh him make a speech, that consisteth of distinction from the beginning to the end. Generally, such men in all deliberations find ease to be of the negative side, and affect a credit to object and foretell difficulties; for when propositions are denied, there is an end of them; but if they be allowed, it requireth a new work; which false point of wisdom is the bane of business. To conclude, there is no decaying merchant, or inward beggar, hath so many tricks to uphold the credit of their wealth, as these empty persons have, to maintain the credit of their sufficiency. Seeming wise men may make shift to get opinion; but let no man choose them for employment; for certainly you were better take for business, a man somewhat absurd, than over-formal.