Kantian Ethics lie in the theory that one should never undermine someone else's or their own rationality and autonomy. Kant states that the intention of ones action out weighs the outcome of the action, and in the intention is where the morality matters. On the other hand, Utilitarianism states that one should act in a way that generates the maximum pleasure for everyone involved. If the action increases happiness, and decreases pain, then the action is moral.
In my opinion, Utilitarianism is the more plausible theory because it appeals most to human nature. Utilitarianism states that we should strive for our own happiness as well as others. The theory tells us to decrease pain and thats something we as people do naturally. It is also easier for people to follow this theory as opposed to Kant's theory. Kant says that we should strive for perfection, for people to make rational decisions all the time, no matter the consequences. Although this may be ideal, it is unrealistic and almost impossible. We are human, we make mistakes and make poor decisions sometimes. People also think differently so the spectrum of rationality differs greatly. Utilitarianism is centered around everybody's overall happiness, and as humans we are hedonistic so we are already halfway there. We are usually looking out for our own happiness as well as others( family, friends, etc.), so as a theory Utilitarianism is more plausible.
Barbara Logic:
1. All actions that increase pleasure are morally good.
2. Giving to the needy increases pleasure.
3. Therefore, giving to the needy is morally good.
Laura,
ReplyDeleteThe only criticism I would make would be to describe what Kantian ethics and utilitarianism is a little better. Its hard to tell what they are all about from just a couple sentences. I did like your response that utilitarianism is the more plausible theory I thought it was much more thorough.
In your writing you state that Utilitarianism is the more plausible theory because it appeals most to human nature. I would challenge that saying that human nature is to help one another and that by only looking out for ourselves we become more like animals and less like humans. You also said that Kant's theory was unrealistic because it is asking for human being to strive for perfection. I think there is a difference between expecting perfection and striving for it. I think Kant's theory would be wrong if he said we should expect perfection. Instead Kant says that we should do the best we can to try to reach this perfection through good wills.
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