Moral Theories Kant and J.S Mill - 1473 Words

Throughout this paper, I will contrast and compare two moral theories in attempt to uncover what one provides a better argument and can be applied as a universal moral code. The two moral theorists Immanuel Kant and J.S Mill have created two distinctly different theories on morality and how to develop a universal moral code. Both theories focus on intentions and consequences. Kant believes that the intentions and reasons of our actions can be measured and defined as morally correct, where as Mill believes that our intentions really play no role in morality, and that we should focus on the consequences and outcomes of our actions to evoke the most happiness for the most people. Even though both philosophers make incredibly different†¦show more content†¦Even though Kant does acknowledge that behaviour and actions that produce a good outcome or consequence is in fact aligned with morality, he believes if you do anything that benefits you is wrong. As a personal example, I volu nteer and produce ‘good’ actions because not only do I know it is right, or the good thing to do, but it gives me a sense of purpose. I feel good putting people before myself. Some people will do nice things for others because it makes them feel good as well. In my opinion, if people love to help others and act in ethically sound ways because it gives them a feeling of approval, and the action is causing a positive consequence, that should be moral. It should be a wonderful thing that mankind can actually have feel good chemicals run through there body when assisting humanity. Kant should take this into consideration that if we feel good acting in good ways, it is more likely to be sustainable. John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham have been recognized as the founders of Utilitarianism. Contrary to Kant’s moral theories, Utilitarian’s would disagree with most of Kant’s theory. While Kant believed that it is the intention of the action that should be recognized as moral or unmoral, J.S Mill and Bentham would say that it is in fact the outcome of said action that determines morality. MillShow MoreRelatedComparing Political Philosophy Theories1095 Words   |  5 PagesAssociate Level Material Ethical Theory Comparison Chart Respond to the prompt for each of the five ethical theories listed. One section on each chart has been filled in as an example. What is good? (1–2 sentences) Aristotle – Virtue EthicsMill – UtilitarianismKant – DeontologyConsequentialismNodding – Care Ethicswhat would you say is our principal or highest objective by nature? According to Aristotle, it is the attainment of happiness, for it is that alone that we seekRead MoreTheories of Socially Acceptable Behaviors: Virtue Theories, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics692 Words   |  3 Pagesdefine socially acceptable behaviors and how they are formed. Three of these theories include virtue theories, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. While each of these theories has been analyzed in relationship to the formation of socially acceptable behavior, none have been found to be definitive. Virtue ethics emphasize the importance of ones character and their morals above dutiful behavior. Many virtue theories are built upon Aristotles teachings that define a virtuous person as someoneRead MoreWhat Makes An Action Moral Can Not Be Had Without Thoroughly Examining The Theories Of Immanual Kant And John1696 Words   |  7 PagesA discussion of what makes an action moral can not be had without thoroughly examining the theories of Immanual Kant and John Stuart Mill. Mill bÐ µliÐ µvÐ µd that an action s consÐ µquÐ µncÐ µs dÐ µtÐ µrminÐ µ its moral worth, whilÐ µ Kant arguÐ µd that morality of thÐ µ action dÐ µpÐ µnds on thÐ µ good will. BasÐ µd on thÐ µ two contradicting thÐ µoriÐ µs abovÐ µ, this papÐ µr will support Mill s viÐ µw of thÐ µ moral worth of an action bÐ µcausÐ µ it is dÐ µtÐ µrminÐ µd by its practical and usÐ µful consÐ µquÐ µncÐ µs in our sociÐ µty. Kant’s dismissal ofRead MoreSuicide and the Harm Principle2897 Words   |  12 Pagesalternative, living in pain. J.S. Mill’s Utilitarian ideals provide strong reasoning to support suicide in instances of severe pain, while Kant’s moral theory of the categorical imperative provides reasoning against taking one’s own life. Mill’s principle of utility is the maximization of pleasure and the reduction of pain. Mill regards happiness as the greatest good in life and all actions should be performed as long as they have the tendency to produce pleasure. Mill also introduces the Harm PrincipleRead More Utilitarianism vs. Kantianism Essay1363 Words   |  6 Pagesreflection on our moral beliefs with the aim of improving, extending or refining those beliefs in some way. (Dodds, Lecture 2) Kantian moral theory and Utilitarianism are two theories that attempt to answer the ethical nature of human beings. This paper will attempt to explain how and why Kantian moral theory and Utilitarianism differ as well as discuss why I believe Ka nts theory provides a more plausible account of ethics. Immanuel Kants deonotological ethical theory assesses if actionsRead MoreUtilitarianism Vs. Kant s Deontology2126 Words   |  9 PagesConsequence and Principles: Utilitarianism vs. Kant s Deontology Both utilitarianism and deontology are normative ethical theories. Normative ethics is a branch of philosophical ethics that investigates the set of questions that arise when considering how one should morally act. (Meriam Webster Dictionary, 1) Utilitarianism and deontology have often been discussed throughout the history of ethics, and both have had many adaptations of the concepts. Utilitarianism is defined as a doctrine that theRead MoreVirtue Ethics692 Words   |  3 Pagesformation thereof. Among these theories are virtue theories, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Each type of theory has been extensively argued, yet no one approach is definitive. Virtue ethics are theories that highlight the importance of character and morals over dutiful behaviors. Many virtue theories are rooted in Aristotles teachings, which argue that a virtuous person is someone who has ideal character traits (Athanassoulis, 2004). Virtue theories are founded upon the contentionRead MoreEuthanasia: Kantianism vs Utilitarianism1599 Words   |  7 Pagesclaims that they did have their consent? There are a variety of positions, based on the numerous ethical theories that have been developed, that one can take in order to resolve the issue of euthanasia; but the positions I will be looking at in particular, are the positions based on John Stuart Mill s Utilitarianism ethical theory, and Immanuel Kant s Categorical Imperative ethical theory. According to Utilitarianism, euthanasia can be morally justified, whereas according to Kantianism, euthanasiaRead MoreAristotle s Ethics And Ethics Essay891 Words   |  4 PagesAnna says that people desire a conclusive theory on ethics. It is human nature to demand a clear path that does not meander into oblivion. Matters Ethics and Morality take twists and turns that seem to end in no specific action plan. Philosophers that came after J.S mill, Bentham, Kant, Aristotle and many more have strived to find a conclusive theory to Ethics. Ethics and any other branch of Philosophy has proven to be so problematic. Applicability of Ethics peddled by recent philosophers might proveRead MoreJohn Stuart Mill s Utilitarianism Essay1381 Words   |  6 Pages There are many ethical theories that one can follow. As a result of there being many different theories, some can overlap while others can vary greatly. The two most widely known theories, Utilitarianism and Deontological ethics, greatly conflict with each other. They differ mostly in what they value most, the outcome vs. the action/motive. John Stuart Mill’s Utilitarianism itself differs from the original form of Utilitarianism created by Jeremy Bentham. Bentham felt that pleasure was wholly good