Notes on Utilitarianism and Deontology

How Utilitarianism and Deontology Differ

Utilitarianism and deontology provide distinct frameworks for ethical decision-making.
Utilitarianism focuses on outcomes and consequences.
Deontology is centered on duties and moral principles.
Referenced Philosophers: Immanuel Kant for deontology and Jeremy Bentham/John Stuart Mill for utilitarianism.

Definition: A central concept in Kant's deontology.
Nature: Refers to acting with a sense of duty, driven by moral intent rather than personal gain.
Example: Helping a stranger out of genuine duty rather than for recognition.

Definition: A fundamental principle guiding moral actions in deontology.
Formulations:
1. Act only on those maxims that could be universally applicable.
2. Treat humanity, whether in oneself or others, as ends in themselves, not just as means to an end.
Purpose: Ensures moral actions respect individual dignity and autonomy.

Definition: Measures the overall balance of pleasure over pain resulting from an action.
Importance: Central to ethical decision-making in utilitarianism.
Example: Government decisions benefiting the majority despite inconveniencing a minority are justified if they produce greater net happiness.

Definition: Actions are morally right if they promote happiness.
Pleasure vs. Pain: Happiness equated with pleasure; unhappiness relates to pain.
Key Thinkers:
- Jeremy Bentham: Introduced the hedonic calculus for measuring pleasure.
- John Stuart Mill: Distinguished between higher and lower pleasures; emphasized quality over quantity.
Example: The pleasure from engaging in intellectual activities is superior to mere physical enjoyment (e.g., reading vs. eating).

Focus on Intentions: Actions are deemed moral based on the intentions behind them, not just their outcomes.
Example: Feeding a dog with goodwill versus fulfilling a mere responsibility.

Focus on Consequences: Evaluates morality based strictly on the outcomes generated.
Example: Corporate relocation causing job loss but ultimately benefiting more people through economic growth is justified.

Contextual Complexity: Moral dilemmas often involve conflicting outcomes and principles.
Limitations: Utilitarianism can oversimplify complex ethical decisions, while deontology may overlook the consequences of inaction.

Kant: Emphasizes duty, intentions, and universal moral laws.
Mill: Focuses on maximizing collective happiness and considers the quality of pleasures.
Both theories serve as valuable philosophical tools for understanding different dimensions of moral evil and ethical good.