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Utilitarianism as an ethical theory

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Added on  2023-04-26

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In this document we will discuss about utilitarianism as an ethical theory and below are the summary points of this document:-

  • Utilitarianism, a normative theory of ethics that bases right and wrong on the outcomes of actions.

  • Act Utilitarianism judges actions based on their Principle of Utility, which is the level of happiness caused to the maximum number of people.

  • Rule Utilitarianism suggests that people should live by a framework of rules intended towards maximum utility.

  • However, there are criticisms of Utilitarianism, including the focus solely on consequences and ignoring intentions.

  • The second part of the document discusses Nietzsche's emphasis on self-realization without relying on supernatural powers and his cosmologic theory of the will to power.

  • Critics have raised questions about the coherence of Nietzsche's views.

  • The document also discusses Kantian ethics, which prohibits certain actions even if they bring about greater happiness.

  • Followers of Kantian ethics ask two questions before committing to any action: whether it is rational for everyone to act as they are willing to act and whether there is respect for the goals of human beings.

Utilitarianism as an ethical theory

   Added on 2023-04-26

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Running head: SOCIOLOGY
Sociology
Student’s Name
University Name
Author’s Note
Utilitarianism as an ethical theory_1
2SOCIOLOGY
Part A
Utilitarianism as an ethical theory
Utilitarianism can be perceived to be a normative theory of ethics where the
justification of the right and wrong occurs absolutely based on the outcomes of selecting one
action over any other actions. As such, it scopes over the interests of any individual and spans
over the interests of the others also. In this context, Mill states that the Principle of Utility of
Bentham can be highlighted. Bentham approves and/or disapproves any action based on the
level of pain or pleasure that is experienced owing to the consequences of any action. This
implies that pleasure and pain are absolutely quantifiable and hence thus the application of
the ethical theory gives a clear implication of the level of positives or negatives enjoyed by
the stakeholders of any .organisation.
Act Utilitarianism
This is actually a theory of teleological ethics, which proposes that actions should
actually be judged on a one to one basis the actions should actually be based on their
Principle of Utility. This implies that actions are supposed to be done only when great
happiness is caused to the maximum number of people. The central proposition of the Act
Utilitarianism is that actions are supposed to be judged based on the virtue of the outcomes.
As per Tom and
Werkhoven, no other ethical consideration is worth mentioning. In the way of assessing the
consequences, the parameter is simply the level of happiness that is caused owing to the
outcome.
Rule Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism as an ethical theory_2

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