Utilitarianism, Kantianism, and Principlism

Right in proportions they tend to promote happiness

The four aspects of Utilitarianism

Maximization, Consequentialism, a theory of value, a scope of morality premise

Advantage of Utilitarianism

Applies to all actions; in principle right action is definitive; all sentient beings are equal

Disadvantage to utilitarianism

difficult to anticipate the total consequence, happiness may not be highest good, the effects of an action on a stranger are weighed the same as the effects on one’s own child

Rationality and Kantianism

We recognize our rights and duties through our rationality

The two tenets of Kantianism

Universalization and respect for persons

Advantage of Kantianism

respects people, allows leeway in our actions, works with moral intuitions

Disadvantage of Kantianism

Offers virtually no guidelines for correct actions; also does not account for consequences, ambiguous about hard questions

The 4 Principles of principlism

Autonomy, beneficence, non maleficence, justice

Advantages of principlism

Practical, flexible, pluralist

Disadvantages of principlism

Little guidance on how to weigh principles against each other when the conflict.