Utilitarianism

Two theories about punishment: utilitarianism, which looks primarily at the consequences of punishment, and retributivism, which looks primarily at the retributive justice of inflicting harm on a transgressor.

An overview of Utilitarianism including negatives and positives.

The moral theory of utilitarianism contends that what makes an act right or wrong is its total consequences for all affected by it. There are many potential criticisms of this theory, and many possible responses by utilitarianism's defenders.

Within philosophy, there are those who hold that acts have only instrumental value in terms of their consequences, and those who hold that acts can be right or wrong independent of their consequences. Most prominent of the former are the utilitarians.

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical philosophy that advocates maximizing happiness and pleasure and minimizing pain and suffering. This article provides a basic overview of utilitarian philosophy.

Describes and analyzes Mill's essay on Utilitarianism, and his ethical approach that helps define today's modern world.

An explanation of utilitarianism and it's two sub-groups: act and rule. My opinion on why the act-utilitarian principles make a more compelling argument for utilitarianism.

In this essay, I will argue that rule-utilitarianism best accommodates for our moral intuitions in difficult moral dilemmas by reconciling our consequentialist and deontological inclinations.

In American politics if one were to follow the tenants of utilitarianism to its fullest extent, wouldn't end up with socialism by default?

An overview of the types of utilitarian philosophies and an analysis of their failings. These failings are then further dissected in order to rework utilitarian thinking into a more ethical and feasible philosophy.

Don't feel like reading John Stuart Mill? Read Tyler Masson and you'll never have to (or want to) read John Stuart Mill again. Positive/negative feedback welcome.

Should our actions reflect our own self-interest before the interest of anyone else (egoism), or should we base our decisions on the impact it will have on others around us (utilitarianism)?

Mill's idea of ethics is pretty straightforward, but can become complex the more thought you put into it.

A brief discussion of the history and differentiations of utilitarianism.

Virtue theory, deontology, and utilitarianism are theories that can be used as a basis for health science research. There are many ethical dilemmas that arise in the health science professions that would benefit from qualitative research.

Essentially there are just three three basic ethical principles. These are they.

Global Communications is in an exciting, yet frustrating situation.

An overview of ethical reasoning

Drugs are often seen as not only a health problem, but a moral problem as well. One of the arguments against drug use and a possible solution from the utilitarian school of moral philosophy.

A look at utilitarianism from a different angle.

When a choice is made, often the question is asked: "was it the right decision?". For thousands of years, humans have struggled with the idea of the morality of their actions.

A look at the theories of John Stuart Mill and Immanual Kant and how they apply to considering consequences when making a moral decision.

An explanation of Mill's utilitarianism.

Utilitarianism is a universal teleological system. It calls for the greatest good for the greatest number.

The is a summary of key points in John Stuart Mills classic 'Utilitarianism' which looks at Mill and his ideology from a larger scale using examples and opinions from his text.

The author attacks the philosophy of utilitarianism.

Is committing certain acts of violence justifiable if the ends are worthwhile and noble? This article begs the question and poses a possible answer.

Stalin, Hitler, and any number of other tyrannical dictators demonstrate, utilitarian policies can be pretty bad for those who are not part of the "greatest number of people." Here are the main problems with utilitarian ethical reasoning...

Susan Wolf's piece, "Moral Saints," attempts to show that there are more important things than morality. She argues that the idea of a perfect model of morality - a "moral saint" as defined by a Kantian or Utilitarian view − would not be ideal.

Leaders of each country must decide what world affairs they are to be involved in.

What kind of philosophy do you have on life? Do you believe to be moral is to act in the best interests of the most people or in your own best interests? From my freshman Intro to Philosophy class.

John Stuart Mill, in his classice book Utilitarianism, presents a concept for the motivations behind human behavior in society. In Mill's theory, even people raised in and conditioned by unjust societies can become moral people.

The sensitive nature of war makes it a difficult issue to assess with ethical value. An argument is posed justifying war only in the most extreme measures, as justified through act utilitarianism.