Utilitarianism and deontology are two ethical theories that are often compared and contrasted. Both theories seek to provide guidance on how to make moral decisions, but they approach the problem in different ways.
Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism, which means that it focuses on the consequences of an action in determining whether it is right or wrong. According to utilitarianism, an action is morally right if it leads to the greatest overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. This means that, in making a moral decision, a utilitarian would consider the potential consequences of the action on all affected parties and choose the option that is expected to produce the most positive outcomes.
An example of utilitarianism in action might be a decision about whether to build a new dam. A utilitarian would consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of the dam for all affected parties, including the people who would be displaced by the dam's construction, the people who would benefit from the increased access to electricity and water, and the environmental impacts of the dam. If the overall net benefit of the dam is expected to be positive, a utilitarian would conclude that it is the right thing to do.
On the other hand, deontology is a form of ethical theory that focuses on the inherent moral rightness or wrongness of an action, rather than the consequences of that action. Deontologists believe that there are certain moral duties or rules that must be followed, regardless of the consequences.
One example of deontology in action might be a decision about whether to lie to protect someone else. According to deontology, it is always wrong to lie, because honesty is a moral duty that must be upheld in all circumstances. Therefore, a deontologist would conclude that it is wrong to lie, even if doing so would have positive consequences, such as protecting someone from harm.
In summary, utilitarianism and deontology are two ethical theories that offer different approaches to moral decision-making. Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of an action, while deontology emphasizes the inherent moral rightness or wrongness of an action. Both theories can be useful in different contexts, and it is often a matter of personal belief and judgment to decide which approach is most appropriate in a given situation.
Ethics Theories: Utilitarianism Vs. Deontological Ethics
The primary contrast to rule utilitarianism is act utilitarianism. For example, you are inclined to not kill people and you are to obey that rule. For this type of mindset to take place, the public needs to be educated on the different types of ethical ideologies and know how to approach situations based on ethical solutions. According to rule utilitarianism, the person should think about how the world would be if there was a general rule allowing people to lie, versus how it would be if there was a general rule banning lying. To contrast utilitarianism and deontology, utilitarianism uses the consequences of their actions as the basis of what they decide to do. Deontology evaluates actions according to their internal features, not making them unconselationist.
Deontology and Utilitarianism Compare and Contrast Essay Example
The results of sexual harassment are traumatizing and can have long-term effects. However, based on Deontology, Ross says the results do not justify actions, and rules, duties, and obligations such as Fidelity are of prime importance Gawronski and Beer 626. In my opinion, the world would be better off if accountability were the standard. Rather, at best, consequences help us determine which action is more in keeping with what is already our duty. Suffice it to say that the majority of moral philosophers and theologians have found it defective. We cannot predict the future, which is why it focuses on duties and intentions, not the goals achieved. Is utilitarianism deontological or teleological? In the trolley example, it is ethically wrong to kill one to save others because it is immoral to kill an innocent person just despite of maximizing the greater good.
Act vs. Rule Utilitarianism Types, Difference & Examples
Rule utilitarianism is also a type of consequentialism, a view that associates morality with the good or bad consequences produced by the choices people make. In sum, according to utilitarianism, morality is a matter of the nonmoral good produced that results from moral actions and rules, and moral duty is instrumental, not intrinsic. When determining the value of the decisions, the consequences are based on the rules of each ethical theory. I will defend that both have good points in terms of how to approach a decision, but a middle ground is needed in times of emergency, such as this one that I would choose to act on. The following are the strengths of Deontology; Deontological moral theory is a Non-Consequentialist moral theory.
