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Rule Utilitarianism and the State, 2008.
A review of the film, "Judgment at Nuremberg," directed by Stanley Kramer and the ethical or normative theories that affect construction of a desired society.
2,036 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 64.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses four major ethical or normative theories to the problem of the construction of a desired society. It looks at the significance of realism in normative analysis. The paper analyzes the film, "Judgment at Nuremberg," directed by Stanley Kramer in order to illustrate the challenges of devising a normative ethical viewpoint given the ethical complexity inherent in modern society.
From the Paper
"While Nazi Germany is an extreme example it is, unfortunately, representative of many tyrannies in human history in which a minority has seen its rights stripped, and claims of justice and community values/virtue dismissed, to supply the happiness or greater utility of the majority. The system of slavery in the American South prior to the Civil War represents precisely a model of precisely such a challenge."
"In this regard, a normative analysis would suggest that rule utilitarianism offers a stronger and more viable principle of utility than pure utilitarianism. Modern rule utilitarians, for example, "place heavy emphasis on human rights and freedoms" (Dwyer 163) which can be incorporated in this normative theory in a way they cannot be in pure utilitarianism."
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Rule-Utilitarianism and Act-Utilitarianism, 2005.
A look at the controversial debate between the two major methods of implementing practical utilitarianism.
2,004 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
The paper first defines act- and rule-utilitarianism before discussing their relative merits. It moves through the debate using a series of famous examples and counter-examples designed to highlight the faults of each method. For example, the accusation of "rule-worshipping" is contrasted with the idea that act-utilitarianism allows people to break promises, or is too demanding. The paper ultimately finds that rule-utilitarianism is all too likely to slip into act-utilitarianism if it is to avoid potentially dangerous rule-worship.
From the Paper
"The first principle of utilitarianism is acceptable enough, partly because Mill specifically spends much time discussing its proof in Utilitarianism, and partly because happiness as an ultimate end in life seems to the vast majority of people to be reasonable enough. However, there is great controversy between the opposing schools of utilitarianism about how exactly the individual utilitarian should make their moral decisions. The choice is between the principles of act-utilitarianism, which dictates that the rightness or wrongness of a single action is to be judged by the action's consequences, and those of rule-utilitarianism, which dictates that the action should be judged by a set of established rules, which are designed to produce the best consequences. It should also be noted that writers in both sides have cited passages in Mill's text which appear to support their point of view."
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Rule Utilitarianism, 2004.
A look at how rule utilitarianism provides a useful and powerful ethical framework for business.
732 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how moral decisions in business are best served by adhering to the ethical code of rule utilitarianism. Rule utilitarianism provides a workable code for businesses, especially in the wake of the Enron and WorldCom financial scandals. It shows how, by adopting rule utilitarianism, businesses can help to prevent serious damage caused by decisions based solely on the consequences of a single act and, instead, allow businesses to focus on ethical rules that ensure the best long-term benefit for society.
From the Paper
"In essence, ultitarianism argues that an action is morally correct if the consequences of the action have a more favorable than unfavorable impact on everyone involved. Jeremy Bentham is commonly known as the father of utilitarianism, and perhaps known for his description of act utilitarianism. In act utilitarianism, it is morally wrong to commit any act that will result in consequences that are more negative than positive. However, act utilitarianism can lead to some serious moral quandaries, including a seeming over permissiveness of many seemingly morally abhorrent acts. For example, act utilitarianism would allow specific acts of torture to be morally acceptable if the specific outcome of these acts were more good than bad."
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Natural Rights, Rule and Act Utilitarianism, 2001.
A look at the British philosopher, Jeremy Bentham's famous work " Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation" in which he details his theory of Utilitarianism.
1,140 words (approx. 4.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 39.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses Bentham's views on natural rights and how at first sight Utilitarianism seems to be antithetical to the idea of basic rights and whether it justifies the deprivation of an individual's basic rights to serve the interests of the greatest numbers. It also explains how the theory of utilitarianism would justify respect for certain rights, and discuss the difference between rule-utilitarianism and act-utilitarianism.
From the Paper
"Jeremy Bentham believed in applying empirical methods, rationalism and deductive arguments to the development of moral and legal theories. At the outset of his Principles of Morals and Legislation he has identified the basis of the principle of Utility on which the Utilitarianism has been founded-pain and pleasure, and calls them the two "sovereign masters" of mankind. The principle of utility, on which most of Bentham's work is based, has been explained by him as: "Any action that promotes happiness of an individual or lessens pain is right while any action that increases pain or decreases happiness is wrong." He further explains that the happiness of the individual is the same as the happiness of the community since the community is nothing but the sum total of individuals. Another key element in Bentham's theory of Utility is the concept of the happiness for the greatest number-and his belief that the happiness for the greatest number of people is quantifiable. He has also expanded his theory to include the acts of not only the individuals but that of the government as well, and because of his interest in law, the scope of his work included the legislative and judicial reforms."
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Utilitarianism, 2004.
An overview of act and rule utilitarianism and a discussion on which version is more plausible according to John Mill.
1,457 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper examines how act utilitarianism is a direct moral theory and how the morally right action is the one that maximises happiness. In comparison, it looks at how rule utilitarianism, while concerned with actions, is a more indirect theory in which the morally right action is not the one that necessarily maximises happiness in every situation. It considers whether John Mill is an act or rule utilitarian, using Mill's idea of customary morality and evaluates which version of utilitarianism is more plausible.
From the Paper
"Rule utilitarianism is not then very plausible as a form of utilitarianism, but it does at least offer answers to some of the problems with act utilitarianism. If one is to maximise happiness then in theory one has to calculate the welfare values associated with every potential action. This is obviously not realistic as one would have to spend a good deal of one's live calculating such values, which itself would surely not lead to happiness being maximised as these calculations themselves can not be described as particularly pleasurable. Indeed would someone really stand on the shore contemplating the consequences of saving a drowning man for more than a split second before acting?"
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Utilitarianism, 2005.
This paper discusses the philosophies of two categories of utilitarianism: Act and rule.
2,275 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 14 sources, MLA, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that act utilitarianism involves independent acts; whereas, rule utilitarianism involves the laws people observe while they act; act utilitarianism believes that people must do whichever action will cause the maximum good and the minimum ill; whereas, rule utilitarianism believes that people must observe laws, which will cause the maximum good and the minimum ill for everybody involved. The author points out that act utilitarianism states it would be ethically incorrect to fritter away hours on recreational pursuits like viewing television because it would be better spent on more societal welfare like philanthropic activities; however, banning recreational actions does not appear justifiable. The paper concludes that, hypothetically, the optimum purpose and law may be act utilitarianism; however, this might be idealistically insubstantial because any type of utilitarianism has to admit the inclination of the people to follow general laws.
From the Paper
"As per act utilitarianism, it is the importance of the outcomes of the specific act that matters while resolving if the act is correct. Act utilitarianism asserts that acts are to be weighed as correct or erroneous only on the worth of integrity or immorality of their outcomes. While evaluating the integrity of the outcomes, the sole entity that counts is well being which causes somebody's living to progress smoothly for him or her. Well-being is the only entity that is excellent for its individual reason. Act utilitarianism also asserts that the appropriate act can be construed as such that generates the highest total of well being whilst evaluating without any prejudice intensifications and attenuation in the well being of every one impacted by the act."
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Hedonistic Act-Utilitarianism, 2007.
An examination of the various types of utilitarianism, particularly hedonistic act-utilitarianism, and their applications to life.
3,128 words (approx. 12.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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This paper describes and discusses the concept of hedonistic act-utilitarianism. It discusses the importance of morality in society and how the theory of morality changes depending on how one defines one's social obligations. It then describes the utilitarian theory and how a Utilitarian may view an act. The paper goes on to discuss rule utilitarianism and the various types of utilitarianism, such as hedonism and egoism. The paper concludes by exploring the concept of hedonistic act-utilitarianism and its applications.
Table of Contents:
Heroism and the Call to Duty
Utilitarianism and Justice
Hedonism and Egoism
What, Other Than Pleasure, Is Valuable?
Issues of Utilitarian Impartiality
From the Paper
"According to Hurka and Copp (pp. 357-380) utilitarianisms affects the groups, more so than the individual. Therefore, the same dilution effect can be seen in the division of the greater social good. When one considers the group, everyone receives a smaller piece of the pie. The plausibility of hedonism in a utilitarian act depends on one's definition of pleasure and how the group dynamics work as far as spreading the rewards and punishments to their members. It is plausible to have hedonism and utilitarianism together. However, one must be careful to qualify their definitions. One can speak of the hedonistic acts of an individual or the hedonistic acts of a group. It is plausible for a group to have hedonistic act-utilitarian. However, this is more difficult for the individual because of the differences in perception. The answer to the question lies in which microscope one uses to examine the issue."
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"Utilitarianism and Morality", 2002.
This essay discusses how, in "Utilitarianism", John Stuart Mill states that, "In the golden rule of Jesus of Nazareth, we read the complete spirit of the ethics of utility".
1,650 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 2 sources, $ 62.95
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This paper relates Mill's statement: "To do as one would be done by, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, constitute the ideal perfection of utilitarian morality." In this way, Mill succeeds in characterizing the spirit of utilitarianism as a moral theory. The author thinks that this is because it becomes in people's self-interest to be good to others.
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Utilitarianism, 2002.
A discussion of the theories of utilitarianism.
2,348 words (approx. 9.4 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 72.95
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This paper looks at utilitarianism or the principle of utility whose basis is the idea that pleasure and happiness are intrinsically valuable, that pain and suffering are intrinsically invaluable and that anything else has value only in its causing happiness or preventing suffering.
Outline
Introduction: What is Utility?
The Moral Theory of Consequentialism
Consequentialism and Utilitarianism
"Right" and "Wrong"
Utilitarianism and Equality
Negative Utilitarianism
Criticism of Utilitarianism
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Consequentialists typically take one of three views about what is intrinsically good. Hedonistic consequentialists hold that the only thing that is intrinsically good is pleasure. Eudaimonistic consequentialists hold that the only thing that is intrinsically good is happiness, which on some views is a broader notion than pleasure. Third, preferential consequentialists hold that what is intrinsically good is desire satisfaction, or the satisfaction of preferences. If all one ever wanted was pleasure or happiness, this would reduce to one of the other views, but in fact most seem to have desires for things other than their own pleasure or happiness, for example the wellbeing of those close to them (Sidgwick, 1998, 34)."
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Utilitarianism, 2005.
An overview of the philosophy of Utilitarianism developed by John Stuart Mill.
1,700 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 55.95
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Abstract
This paper begins with a look at how Utilitarianism has affected our present-day economic and social paradigm and then, while briefly acknowledging its positive aspects, takes a deeper look at the criticisms of the Utilitarian philosophy. Next, the paper presents a brief outline of the philosophy, as developed by John Stuart Mill, and explains the attraction of Utilitarianism during Mill's day. The paper continues with a look at additional criticisms of Utilitarianism and a discussion of the author's point of view on Utilitarianism and why these criticisms may be wrong.
From the Paper
"Utilitarianism has had a profound impact on many areas of society, including politics and education, since its inception in the nineteenth century. In terms of institutional application in a historical sense, "The main tenets of utilitarianism included the exposure of all institutions to the tests of rational utility, in the interest of the greatest
happiness of the greatest number... and the possibility of an objective ethics" (Williams, p. 88). Some others have likened utilitarianism to an oversimplification of the universe that does not take into account its essential idiosyncrasies and variant circumstances, and sees people, perhaps rather narrowly, less as individuals and more as examples of
national or economic statistics. Either way, utilitarianism has often been evinced by an over-reliance on statistics, and these statistics could easily be correlated with the over-reliance on facts that have formed the basis for the rote educational system, which still persists in many areas."
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Utilitarianism, 2002.
An examination of John Stuart Mill's philosophy of utilitarianism.
768 words (approx. 3.1 pages), 2 sources, MLA, $ 27.95
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Abstract
Nineteenth century British philosopher John Stuart Mill was the most important proponent of utilitarianism, a theory of morality for determining the rightness or wrongness of any action. This paper looks at Mill's 1863 book "Utilitarianism" in which he codified the principles of utilitarianism. The paper shows that Mill's principle of utility is helpful in distinguishing the rightness or wrongness of an action from the motives of the actor or agent. This principle of utility led Mill to support liberal feminism which he saw as morally right because allowing women the chance to make intellectual contributions to society promoted happiness for the greater number of people.
From the Paper
"People who sought to prohibit women from working may have had good motives, based on their religious beliefs or their fear of introducing social disorder. However, according to Mill, the result of these prohibitive actions was that society lost the potential contributions of educated women. Mill believed that the harm created by denying women's contributions to art and science far outweighed any potential good that resulted from maintaining the status quo. When judged by the principle of utility, the subjugation of women was thus a morally indefensible attitude that failed to promote the higher good. Despite their supposed good motives, people who fought against women's rights engaged in morally wrong actions."
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Utilitarianism, 1999.
This essay examines Jeremy Bentham's theory of utilitarianism and particularly what is meant by 'the principle of utility.'
1,537 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 9 sources, $ 50.95
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This essay explains Bentham's reasons for developing utilitarianism as both a social and political framework. It examines utilitarianism in an individual and private environment, as well as its workings in a more widespread and universal atmosphere. The latter part of this essay focuses on the viability of utilitarianism in the public sphere, and whether it provides appropriate guidance for government policy-making. The main objective of this part of the essay is to determine whether Bentham's principle of utility is appropriate as the foundation of a political structure. Thusly, it focuses on the attributes and failings of the principle of utility as a public philosophy.
From the Paper
"Bentham's theory of utilitarianism was a result of deficiencies in government institutions in his country, and their failing to adequately serve the general satisfaction of its population. The principle of utility is based on intrinsic facts that motivate individuals, namely pleasure and pain. It is human nature to pursue pleasure and to avoid pain. Therefore what we ought and ought not to do is determined by these two "sovereign masters". The element of pleasure or pain involved in an action determines whether or not an individual, or group of people proceed with that action. All forms of utilitarianism are consequential. In every circumstance or action, a consequence is identified and then compared with the consequence of inaction.Whichever produces the greatest happiness is what ought to be done."
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Jeremy Bentham's "Classical Utilitarianism", 2004.
This paper discusses Jeremy Bentham's "Classical Utilitarianism", the economies of pleasure and pain.
885 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 1 source, APA, $ 31.95
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This paper explains that utilitarianism is defined as the idea that individuals and government should attempt to do the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people. The author points out that Bentham's argument is based on individual rather than collective rights. The paper concludes that it is only the majority rule of individuals that determines what is right or wrong according to community dictates, and above all, the same process is applicable to pleasure and pain, in whatever shape they appear.
From the Paper
"If a person fears pain, it is thus much worse if it is very intense, for a long duration, is close at hand, is certain, is apt to be given again, and will not be followed by pleasure. Perhaps an example might be, to take a relatively benign comparison. Who is in more pain of the following two students? A poor student, facing the SATs the next morning, who must take the test and is compelled to do so by his zealous parents, but feels he or she is doomed to failure versus a good student, offered the option of taking an extra credit quiz at some point in the semester, the time of which he or she may choose, of less than a half-hour's time, followed by a pizza party? The individual in the most pain, in the scenarios, is intuitively obvious, even if one does not grade the two upon Bentham's scales of intensities of pain and pleasure."
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Mill's Utilitarianism, 2007.
This paper examines John Stuart Mill's beliefs of utilitarianism.
795 words (approx. 3.2 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 28.95
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The paper relates that Plato, Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill each advocated ethical systems based upon their interpretations of society and human nature. The paper is of the opinion that Mill's utilitarianism can be applied more effectively in the modern world than Plato's or Kant's ethical systems. The paper discusses Mill's views and concludes that despite justified criticism of some aspects of utilitarianism, it is the best of the three systems.
From the Paper
"John Stuart Mill believed that there are two basic characteristics of human nature: an instinct to please God and our fellow human beings, and a fear of displeasing God and our fellow human beings. Infused in these characteristics is an internal motivation based upon a sense of duty, which consists of religious feelings, childhood experiences, sympathy, and self-worth. This sense of duty is founded on the evidence that most human beings experience remorse when they attempt to reject these elements of their sense of duty by not promoting or contributing to general happiness. That sense of duty is subjective and emerges with experience. (Mill)"
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Rawls and Utilitarianism, 2002.
This paper discusses the difference in Rawls opinion to that of Utilitarianism.
3,525 words (approx. 14.1 pages), 6 sources, $ 129.95
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Abstract
Utilitarianism is a theory of ethics that suggests that the rightness or wrongness of a certain action is determined by the amount of happiness that it produces for the greatest number of people. Rawls saw a weakness in utilitarianism in that it assumed that the rights of the minority could be sacrificed for the good of the majority. Rawls believed that the basic social institutions of the well-ordered state, including its constitution, had to satisfy the fundamental principles of social justice. This was his main concern. He especially believed that such a principle was directly connected to having a contract where everyone understood that it was in everyone's interest to have social justice.
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