Utilitarianism
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- Retributivist and Utilitarian Theories for Justification of Criminal PunishmentTwo 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.
- UtilitarianismAn overview of Utilitarianism including negatives and positives.
- Utilitarianism: Criticisms and ResponsesThe 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.
- Introduction to the Moral Theory of UtilitarianismWithin 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.
- Philosophy: Summary and Explanation of UtilitarianismUtilitarianism 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.
- John Stuart Mill ExplainedDescribes and analyzes Mill's essay on Utilitarianism, and his ethical approach that helps define today's modern world.
- Act Vs. Rule UtilitarianismAn 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.
- Rule Utilitarianism: Bridging the Gap Between Consequentialist and Deontological Theories of MoralityIn 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.
- Is Utilitarianism Just Veiled Socialism?In American politics if one were to follow the tenants of utilitarianism to its fullest extent, wouldn't end up with socialism by default?
- The Failures of Utilitarianism PhilosophiesAn 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.
- Utilitarianism: What I Think John Stuart Mill is Trying to SayDon'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.
- Selfishness vs. AltruismShould 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)?
- Analysis of Utilitarianism by John Stuart MillMill's idea of ethics is pretty straightforward, but can become complex the more thought you put into it.
- Utilitarianism: The History and DifferentiationsA brief discussion of the history and differentiations of utilitarianism.
- The Use of Ethical Inquiry as a Theoretical Basis for Qualitative ResearchVirtue 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.
- The Three Ethical Principles: Individual Rights, Utilitarianism and Distributive JusticeEssentially there are just three three basic ethical principles. These are they.
- Global CommunicationsGlobal Communications is in an exciting, yet frustrating situation.
- What is Ethical Reasoning? What Are Ethical Egoism and Utilitarianism?An overview of ethical reasoning
- Utilitarianism and Drugs: The Problem and the SolutionDrugs 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.
- UtilitarianismA look at utilitarianism from a different angle.
Pros and Cons of UtilitarianismThis piece explains Utilitarianism and offers what amounts to a devastating counterexample to the view.- The Ends or the Means? Kantian Ethics Vs. UtilitarianismWhen 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.
- Considering the Consequences of Your ActionsA look at the theories of John Stuart Mill and Immanual Kant and how they apply to considering consequences when making a moral decision.
- Philosophy: UtilitarianismAn explanation of Mill's utilitarianism.
- Utilitarianism: Greatest Happiness for the Greatest NumberUtilitarianism is a universal teleological system. It calls for the greatest good for the greatest number.
- Analyzing John Stuart Mill and UtilitarianismThe 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 Utilitarian FallacyThe author attacks the philosophy of utilitarianism.
- The Ethics of ViolenceIs committing certain acts of violence justifiable if the ends are worthwhile and noble? This article begs the question and poses a possible answer.
- The Perils of Utilitarian Ethical ReasoningStalin, 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...
Is There a General Rule to Right and Wrong?Contemplating is formally left to students and philosophers but we all use hem in everyday life. Is there any definitive theory determining what is good and what is bad in life? Can such a theory ever apply to all people in every situation?
The Main Ideas and Arguments of On Liberty by John Stuart MillOn Liberty is one of the most famous and influential essays in the history of political philosophy. What was Mill arguing for in this essay, and how did he go about doing so?
A Poet Ponders the IsmsA lighthearted look at contemporary ideology or idiot-ology as the case may be.- Susan Wolf's Moral SainthoodSusan 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.
- World AffairsLeaders of each country must decide what world affairs they are to be involved in.
- Morality in a Nutshell: Formalist Vs. Utilitarianist ViewsWhat 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.
- The Motivation and Morality in Enlightened Self-InterestJohn 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.
- War: Is it Ever Justified?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.