Utilitarianism And International Relations Theory

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Recommended: J.S. Mill's critique of utilitarianism

Utilitarian theories, on the other hand, must answer the charge that ends do not justify the means. The problem arises in these theories because they tend to separate the achieved ends from the action by which these ends were produced. One implication of utilitarianism is that one's intention in performing an act may include all of its foreseen consequences. According to Mill, he affirmed that things "may be felt a good in itself, and desired as such with as great intensity as any other good." The goodness of the intention then reflects the balance of the good and evil of these consequences, with no limits imposed upon it by the nature of the act itself. Utilitarianism, in answering this charge, must show either that what is apparently immoral …show more content…

I have also learned the importance of sacrifices because we will not be able to achieve the goal or push through with the event without it that is why maybe we lack on inserting considerations to make the conference work as possible. I have learned that studying the core principles of international relations theory is important because in our world today, we have problems on collective goods and one way to solve them is to apply the approaches of the three principles. When individuals (states) utilize common resources for his or her own gain with no regard to the collective group, collectivity suffers and eventually, everyone suffers if there is no regulation. Collective goods are available to everyone regardless of contribution. "In general, collective goods are easier to provide in small groups than in large ones. In a small group, the defection (free riding) of one member is harder to conceal, has a greater impact on the overall collective good, and is easier to punish. The advantage of small groups helps explain the importance of the great-power system in international security affairs and of the G7 (Group of Seven) industrialized countries in economic matters." Smaller groups that share collective goods are more likely to utilize resources more responsibly and efficiently than a

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