Martin Luther King Utilitarianism Essay

Throughout the realm of morality, there are three dominant theories that have prevailed: moral relativism, deontology, and utilitarianism. The esteemed Martin Luther King Jr. was a prominent leader of the Civil Rights Movement and well renowned for his tendencies to promote nonviolence. He frequently encouraged other blacks to adhere to his path of nonviolence during this time of oppression. Through careful observation of King’s texts, it is quite evident that he conforms to deontology in his early efforts for racial quality and, in the latter part of the Civil Rights Movement, he blatantly expresses a utilitarian approach. Based upon this identification, it is further discernible that Martin Luther King Jr. would, if need be, conform to and support the Just War Theory if nonviolent attempts proved fruitless. In its entirety, moral relativism is comprised of the belief that, as members of various and countless cultures, we cannot judge each other’s morality. If this theory stands true, then “we have no basis for judging other cultures or values,” according to Professor McCombs’ Ethics 2. Our moral theories cannot extend throughout cultures, as we do not all share similar values. For instance, the Catholic tradition believes in the sacrament of Reconciliation. This sacrament holds that confessing one’s sins to a priest and

Among the three most prominent moral theories: moral relativism, deontology, and utilitarianism, Martin Luther King Jr. began his journey towards racial equality as a deontologist, but quickly expressed his inner utilitarian approach nearing the end of his life. A major factor of this stark switch stemmed from the gradual governmental resistance, despite King and his follower’s nonviolent approaches. Furthermore, due to King’s acceptance and manifestation of utilitarianism, it is evident that he would support Alexander Moseley’s Just War