The Doctrine Of Utilitarianism Essays - 883 Words

The Doctrine of Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is a doctrine that revolves around two concepts: happiness and consequentialism. It follows the â€Å"Greatest Happiness Principle† which is, â€Å"The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, Utility, or the Greatest Happiness Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness† (Mill 239). Utilitarianists’ most vast idea is creating the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people and to end pain and suffering with this principle by using Utilitarian Calculus. In Utilitarian Calculus, one would analyze the situation and as long as the action has a greater positive effect (more happiness) overall than a negative effect (pain and suffering) then the act is moral. Singer had many arguments when it comes to animal rights and speciesism. Singer defines ‘speciesists’ as individuals who â€Å"give greater weight to the interests of members of their own species when there is a clash between their interests and the interests of those of other species. Human speciesists do not accept that pain is as bad when it is felt by pigs or mice as when it is felt by humans† (Singer Equality). Singer’s main point when explaining animal rights is that equality does not require equal rights. Singer believes it is unrealistic and irrational to compare a dying mouse to a dying person because they do not have equal rights and situations in life. He states, â€Å"ItShow MoreRelatedCompare and Contrast Utilitarianism with Christian Ethics810 Words   |  4 PagesCompare and Contrast Utilitarianism with Christian Ethics The ethical teachings and values of utilitarianism and Christian ethics are similar in some aspects, yet however are diverse in others. Utilitarianism is a generally teleological ethical system, where the outcome is said to justify the act. The act is considered ‘good’ if it brings about the greatest good for the greatest number. Christian Ethics, however, can be quite different. Many aspects of its ethics are deontological, for exampleRead MoreUtilitarianism And Its Ethical Approach1709 Words   |  7 PagesUTILITARIANISM AND ITS ETHICAL APPROACH Of the topics discussed, one that most caught my attention is the philosophical current of utilitarianism. Indeed, among currents ethical thinking that has had greatest impact in recent times is utilitarianism. A school of thought that holds that the good is useful, that is to say, in this ethical doctrine is postulated that the morally good lies in the legitimate aspiration to wellness. In the field of ethics, this doctrine is determined by a ratio of utilityRead MoreThe Ethical Argument For Veganism1685 Words   |  7 Pages This essay analyzes the ethical argument for veganism through the lens of philosophy using Utilitarianism defined by John Stuart Mill, and Deontological ethics according to Immanuel Kant. Through the use of these theories, I will justify the moral worth and legitimacy of the animal welfare debate that is often used to promote a cruelty-free and vegan lifestyle by analyzing questions of animal sentience, the worth of an animal’s happiness, and the right humanity supposedly has to the lives of otherRead MoreJohn Stuart Mill s Argument That Happiness Is The Only Intrinsic Good1354 Words   |  6 PagesIn this essay I am going to write about John Stuart Mill’s argument that happiness is the only intrinsic good. Mill’s proof focuses on defending utilitarianism, one of the most prominent works in moral philosophy and most prominent form of consequentialism as proposed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Mill defines the theory and provides his responses to common misconceptions people have surrounding it. Utility, the Greatest Happiness Principle, states that actions are right in that they generallyRead 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 Pagesof 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* †¢ Conclusion- summary of essay and own opinion, rememberRead MoreUtilitarianism, And The Moral Imperative1575 Words   |  7 Pages In this essay I intend on arguing the legitimacy of utilitarianism, and if its principles can be subjected effectively to society today. Utilitarianism, which is a common term in normative ethics, is a moral doctrine that coordinates and specifies evaluation and moral actions through three recommendations. These recommendations are the criterion of good and evil, a moral imperative, and a measured evaluation. A criterion of good and evil emphasizes on the happiness and stakeholdersRead MoreUtilitarianism And The Moral Imperative1575 Words   |  7 Pages In this essay I intend on arguing the legitimacy of utilitarianism, and if its principles can be subjected effectively to society today. Utilitarianism, which is a common term in normative ethics, is a moral doctrine that coordinates and specifies evaluation and moral actions through three recommendations. These recommendations are the criterion of good and evil, a moral imperative, and a measured evaluation. A criterion of good and evil emphasizes on the happiness and stakeholdersRead MoreA Study On The Chinese Of The National Network Of China Has Once Produced A Popular Tv Show1485 Words   |  6 Pagesother demoralization acts which have made headlines. The issues described above raised several questions about which the author curious. This essay will help me to understand those queries around me according to the utilitarianism, firstly, based on the definition of utilitarianism, to understand what is happiness, secondly, under the principle of utilitarianism, ga ining a insight to what is right and what is wrong, thirdly, attempt to find ways to improve the issues mentioned above in China. MainRead MoreIndividualism1503 Words   |  7 Pagesliberties and civil rights. Because of this a civil libertarian outlook is compatible with many other political philosophies and civil libertarianism is found on both the right and left in modern politics. For scholar Ellen meiksins wood â€Å"there are doctrines of individualism that are opposed to locking individualism and non-lock individualism may encompass socialism. 5. Philosophical individualism: Ethical egoism (also called simply egoism) is the normative ethical position that moralRead More The Greatest Happiness Principle Essay1376 Words   |  6 Pages In the essay â€Å"What Utilitarianism Is† #, Mill presents the theory of Utilitarianism, which he summarizes in his â€Å"utility† or â€Å"greatest happiness principle† # (Mill 89). Mill’s focus is based on an action’s resulting â€Å"happiness,† # pleasure and absences of pain, or â€Å"unhappiness,† # discomfort and the nonexistence of contentment, rather than the intentions involved (Mill 89). After evaluating Mill’s principle, I will then end this essay by discussing my personal opinion about the doctrine and how