1-Utilitarianism believes in egalitarianism, which is that everyone's happiness is equally valuable. Utilitarianism also believes that the persons actions are right if they bring that person happiness. Kantian ethics teaches that nothing is more important to a person than rationality and autonomy.
2- In my opinion, I think that utilitarianism is more plausible because I believe that society's happiness is more important than just one persons happiness. For this essay we were told to choose which type of ethical position we preferred. Both these ideas have valid points but for this essay I believe that utilitarianism is a better ethical theory. Utilitarianism tells us that we as humans strive to increase pleasure and decrease pain. This idea is to help those around you by increasing their pleasure and decreasing their pain. For example, if I was walking down the street and saw that an elderly woman was having trouble walking, I should help her even if it delays me from my destination. Humans by nature have hedonistic ideals built into them. Our fight or flight reaction tells us to either run from a something that puts us in danger or to face it. Finding pleasure and decreasing pain is a basic human instinct.
3-All students in the class are fine people.
Jessie is in the class.
Therefore, Jessie is a fine person
I really like how in-depth you explained Utilitarianism. Your example with the elderly woman presented a very clear view of an ideal utilitarian action. However, I definitely feel that your post lacked breadth, in that you didn't give much light or acknowledgement to Kantian ethics.
ReplyDeleteOne problem is that your intro was very brief. You definitely could have explained Kantian ethics much more. Besides that it looks like you did a nice job. I liked your barbara example, it was really well done.
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