Kantian Ethics vs. Utilitarianism

Kantian Ethics vs. Utilitarianism

Kantian ethics are an ethical theory developed by Emmanuel Kant, which is based on the principle that people should always act so that you respect every human being and yourself as a rational being.  Kant believed that the intention of a person’s action outweighs the outcome of the action, and in the intention is where the morality matters.  Kantian ethics state that people have an unconditional moral duty to do what is right, not because it will profit us, not because if we don’t do it and get caught we will be punished but because it is the right thing to do.  Kant went on to say that the only true moral act is done from a pure sense of duty.         

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that recognizes two absolutes in the world, pain and pleasure.  This ethical theory was created by Jeremy Bentham and John Stewart Mill.  Utilitarianism is based on the idea that people’s ethical decisions should be based on whatever provides the greatest useful goodness for the greatest number of people.  Utilitarianism ethical theory believes that the moral benefit of an action is determined by the outcome of the action no matter what the motive behind the action was. 

I feel that the Utilitarianism ethical theory is the more plausible of these two ethical theories.  I say this because the Utilitarianism ethical theory is not only plausible it is the ethical standard of society today.  The basic Utilitarianism idea of the greatest good for the greatest amount is one of the basic building blocks of any democratic system of government.  To me Utilitarianism ethical theory makes the most common sense, pain is bad and pleasure is good.  It does not matter who you are, where you are from, or what you’re different and conflicting moral beliefs may be, people agree pain is bad and pleasure is good.  Utilitarianism is impartial, fair and promotes social harmony.  Utilitarianism ethical theory requires us to balance our interests with those of others around us.  Utilitarianism is flexible and sensitive to circumstances.  Utilitarianism does not label most actions as right or wrong and it allows flexibility and sensitivity to the circumstances surrounding an action.  This also makes it practical.  In general Utilitarianism links happiness with morality where Kant’s view sometimes seems to be opposing happiness against morality.  If a person lives on the principles of Utilitarianism, they disregard the motives involved in an action.  Utilitarian philosophy tries to separate the action from the actor and look at the bigger picture over the individual.  Utilitarian’s, living a life that caused the greatest widespread good would be considered by most people to be living a life of virtue.  

Barbara Logic:

1. All acts that maximize pleasure are morally good.

2. All acts of common sense are acts that maximize pleasure.

3. Therefore, all acts of common sense are morally good.