Notes on Utilitarianism and Deontology

How Utilitarianism and Deontology Differ

Overview of Ethical Theories

• 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.

Key Concepts in Deontology

Goodwill

• 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.

Categorical Imperative

• 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.

Key Concepts in Utilitarianism

Net Happiness

• 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.

Principle of Utility

• 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).

Practical Application of Theories

Deontological Decision-Making

• 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.

Utilitarian Decision-Making

• 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.

Challenges and Considerations

• 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.

Summary of Kant and Mill's Perspectives

• 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.