Utilitarianism: Ethical Theory Between Right Or Wrong
Utilitarianism, yet another ethical theory between right or wrong. If everyone acted in an effort to promote the greatest good for the greater number of people our universe would exist with a utilitarian state of mind. Although, when one looks at this statement on the surface without further analyzing it, most would assume that existing in a universe where everyone seeks the happiness for the greatest amount of people that it would be greater one to live in. Although, surface wise we can make this assumption, everyone’s definition of “happiness” varies, for some happiness is defined by monetary objects and for others happiness is not determined through any tangible element. Utilitarianism was defined by John Stuart Mill who derived the
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So, when making a decision you should focus on the outcome and determine what decision will deliver the best consequences. As a result, just like any other theory in existence utilitarianism brings about a number of objections specifically because it determines your actions based on consequence and this can become trivial in many types of scenarios. Overall, after reviewing the numerous objections there are two that stand out over the others, Utilitarianism is too demanding and that it disrupts our personal relationship. Utilitarianism does seem to be too demanding, if we all acted based on doing things that bring everyone happiness it would eventually take from our personal happiness. How is one to not go to a movie or spoiling themselves with an expensive handbag if the other choice of spending that money would be to donate to charity or what society considers a greater cause. Donating money to a greater cause would indeed bring more units of happiness than the one unit would bring to me personally if I choose to purchase my expensive designer bag versus donating that money. This can ripple into not only this aspect of everyday personal life. Imagine not driving a car because of the pollution, overall that decision would cause greater good to the planet but that idea is just not feasible, especially in our city where commuting is a part of life not a choice. The second is that the utilitarianism theory can disrupt our personal life. The idea of treating my husband or family as I treat a complete stranger is simply unrealistic. Utilitarianism asks that you make impartial decisions and in normal human “animal” emotions that is unnatural. Animal instinct even in the wild make biased decisions, a lion knows when a cub is its cub and acts in defense and protection of it, human instinct is the same. These two objections simply provide evidence that utilitarianism
So, when making a decision you should focus on the outcome and determine what decision will deliver the best consequences. As a result, just like any other theory in existence utilitarianism brings about a number of objections specifically because it determines your actions based on consequence and this can become trivial in many types of scenarios. Overall, after reviewing the numerous objections there are two that stand out over the others, Utilitarianism is too demanding and that it disrupts our personal relationship. Utilitarianism does seem to be too demanding, if we all acted based on doing things that bring everyone happiness it would eventually take from our personal happiness. How is one to not go to a movie or spoiling themselves with an expensive handbag if the other choice of spending that money would be to donate to charity or what society considers a greater cause. Donating money to a greater cause would indeed bring more units of happiness than the one unit would bring to me personally if I choose to purchase my expensive designer bag versus donating that money. This can ripple into not only this aspect of everyday personal life. Imagine not driving a car because of the pollution, overall that decision would cause greater good to the planet but that idea is just not feasible, especially in our city where commuting is a part of life not a choice. The second is that the utilitarianism theory can disrupt our personal life. The idea of treating my husband or family as I treat a complete stranger is simply unrealistic. Utilitarianism asks that you make impartial decisions and in normal human “animal” emotions that is unnatural. Animal instinct even in the wild make biased decisions, a lion knows when a cub is its cub and acts in defense and protection of it, human instinct is the same. These two objections simply provide evidence that utilitarianism