Comparing Mill's Utilitarianism And Deontological Theory

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UTILITARIAN AND DEONTOLOGY Mill's Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory, indicates that we should consider all the consequences of an action as they relate to the greatest good for the greater number of people. Utilitarians weigh moral actions on the basis of how much pleasure and pain can be produced. Kant's deontological theory known as the theory of duty, on the other hand, focuses on morality as a duty and obligation. Kant also elaborated on his beliefs of the moral worth of an action as well as the two forms of the categorical imperative. This essay will summarize the key points of Utilitarianism and Deontology, and will further discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each theory respectively. According to the text, Mill …show more content…

Unlike Utilitarianism, Deontology focuses on duty and obligations. This theory indicates that moral action must based on the right intentions and the right actions. Kant believed that since we are in control of our motives, we are equally responsible for our intentions to do good or bad. He also believed that an act has moral worth only if it is established with the right motive. The Categorical Imperative is the main principle of Kant's theory. Kant concentrated on two forms of categorical imperative. The First form, “Act only when on that maxim that you can will as a universal law,” means that my act should be one that can become a universal law and is non-contradictory. The Second form: “Always treat persons, in self and others, always as an end and never as a means only,” means we should treat others with the same regard as we would like to be treated. In evaluating Kant's moral theory, the four aspects of focus are: moral obligation, categorical imperative, duty, and equality and impartiality. Moral obligation is the idea of doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Equality and impartiality involves treating all persons the same. Lastly, deontology focuses on intentions, fairness, and the consistency and treatment of persons as equal

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