utilitarianism

Competing Views on the Application of Utilitarian Principles

Competing theories of morality are s within the realm of philosophy that are often hotly debated by great minds in opposing camps . One moral theory which has been fervently backed both in support and opposition is utilitarianism , and its application in moral dilemmas Within the two assigned readings there are two starkly contrasted views on the suitability and worth of utilitarian morals . The first reading is an essay written in support of utilitarian principles by Professor Kai Nielsen of Concordia University , entitled Against Moral

br Conservatism . The second reading is a rebuke of utilitarian ethics by Bernard Williams , former provost of King 's College , entitled Against Utilitarianism . By creating fabricated scenarios within which an actor is faced with a moral dilemma with a limited number of possible decisions , both authors craftily extol the perceived virtues and weaknesses of utilitarianism

Defining Utilitarianism

To put it plainly , utilitarianism is a categorical method which determines the best course of action in any given scenario by weighing the potential outcomes or consequences of an action . The utilitarian mind makes decisions so to provide the most utility to the most people The theory is predicated on the notion that there is little to nothing inherently or intrinsically good in any act . Any good that is generated from an act is the utility produced as a consequence of the act maximizing utility is the ultimate aim . Utility , within this framework is tricky to define completely , but John Stuart Mill...