The History of Utilitarianism

Rather, I argue that both types of utilitarianism could avoid the conflicts mentioned before, and could account for the significance of justice and honesty. It is suitable to define justice and honesty before evaluating act-utilitarianism and rule-utilitarianism. To our common understanding, justice is that people should get what they are due (Audi), while honesty requires one to tell the truth, and to be trustworthy. Although in extreme situations, the limits given by justice and honesty can be reasonably crossed, it is still widely accepted that this kind of limits should be well-respected (Deigh 102). In short, justice and honesty are moral rules that can rarely be violated.

He goes as far as to say that actions will posses moral worth only if they are a result of our good will, similar to that which we intend to achieve(Shafer-Landau, pg. 70). Good will is a must-have virtue according to Kant, which then ties us into categorical imperatives. If we are to be driven by a good will, or a will to do what is right, then we must conjecture ... ... middle of paper ... ...al philosophy is so acclaimed is because it provides a stringent moral view without loopholes—it’s absolute. Kant was very clever in forming categorical imperatives and valuing good will, universal attributes which can be applied to everyone to determine moral status.

In layman’s terms, the characterization of political integrity implies total equality under the law by all laws being justified by the same principles. Still though, he finds it important to make the assertion that it may well be the case that some “breaches” of integrity are, all things considered, better than the alternatives. Dworkin claims that we have two separate principles regarding political integrity. These principles, legislative and adjudication, try to make laws morally coherent, and allow them to be seen in such a manner. Also, when speaking of political integrity, he makes two important background assumptions.

Martin Luther King Jr. believes there are two specific types of laws: just and unjust. Just laws are ones in which humans must obey in order to maintain the safety, equality, and freedom of the individual. He states that “one has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws.” Justly, these laws benefit society and are intended to align with the moral conscience of the human being. On the other side “one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws” as, according to St. Augustine, "an unjust law is no law at all.” Unjust laws are simply a moral mistake in the governmental system that require being broken, whether that be through civil disobedience or simple negotiation to prompt the change. The way in which one determines

In this paper, I will thoroughly discuss the theory of Utilitarianism. I will discuss fundamental principles of the theory, Rachels’ definition of morally right actions based on the theory, as well as John Stuart Mill’s definition of morally right actions. I will also discuss the arguments against the theory due to fictional situations and the conflict it possess with justice. First I will define the theory of Utilitarianism and it’s fundamental principles. Then I will state Rachels’ and Mills’ definition of morally right actions.

I see utilitarianism as a powerful and persuasive approach to ethics in philosophy. There are varieties of views discussed but utilitarianism is generally held to be the view that the morally correct action is the action that produces the most good. In its simplest form it is maximizing pleasure while minimizing pain. There are a few ways to think about this claim. One good way to think about is that this theory is a form of consequentialism.

Kantian Morality Kant's theory of morality seems to function as the most feasible in determining one's duty in a moral situation. The basis for his theory is perhaps the most noble of any-- acting morally because doing so is morally right. His ideas, no matter how occasionally vague or overly rigid, work easily and efficiently in most situations. Some exceptions do exist, but the strength of those exceptions may be somewhat diminished by looking at the way the actual situations are presented and the way in which they are handled. But despite these exceptions, the process Kant describes of converting maxims to universal laws to test their moral permissibility serves, in general, as a useful guide to and system of ethics and morality.

Rule deontologists believe conventionality to common moral standards based on logical ethicalness, were as act deontologist judges the morality or ethics. Employees are recognise whether their particular actions are right or wrong, apart from the consequences. Those who are involved with fraud advantage by their pitiable option but in the long run they may face prison charges. Virtue ethics explain that ethical behaviour engaged, not only remain to predictable moral values but also allowing for what a person could do with good ethical quality. Elements of virtue significant to organisation transactions are to be trust, self-control and

Therefore, virtue ethics isn’t solely on notions to project a list of rules in order to be a decent human being, but to apply these basic principles to how we feel as well (Thiroux & Krasemann, pg.78). The reason why they author thinks the conclusion is valid because it creates an impartial and regulated community.

Although the idea of utilitarianism sounds ideal in terms of an ethical theory, we must examine the fact that all suppositions have their faults, and utilitarianism is no exception. Many objections have been provided against the theory, but one that appears ... ... middle of paper ... ...m as utility is only determined from the biased perspective of the agent. However, the theory may be saved if it is modified to include the influence of commitments to loved ones, whilst maintaining general impartiality. Consequently, Classical Utilitarianism with slightly less constrictive restraints surrounding impartiality can continue to be a viable moral theory despite this objection. Works Cited Mill, J.S.