Question

Introduction

Our focus this week is consequentialist and non-consequentialist ethical theories; and our goal is understand Kant’s, Mill's and Bentham's perspectives. You will ultimately distinguish the three perspectives. The first thing we shall do, though, is show understanding of their perspectives. Begin by reading the assigned chapters and watching these videos:

Kant's Ethics 1

https://youtu.be/9jHH1sMUI1A

Mill's Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=427BdQP8krk#action=share

The Week’s Exercise

Now that you have read the assigned chapters and seen what Kant presents as principles of morality. To answer the discussion question effectively, you need to show clear understanding of Kant’s categorical imperative and virtue ethics. As we engage in the discussion, I shall lead you back to Truman's and Anscombe's argument on moral action--their positions illuminate aspect of Kant's categorical imperative. Please, watch the video lecture.

The Question:

How exactly is Kant's theory different from Utilitarianism, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of the theories? Use specific ethical problem to illustrate your understanding.

2-3 paragraph

Answer 1

The Consequentialist Ethical Theories - An action is determined to be right or wrong based on the consequences of that action.

The Non-Consequentialist Ethical Theories - An action is determined to be right or wrong based on the intrinsic properties of that action and not on the consequesences of it.

Examples of Consequentialist Theories:

Utilitarianism: According to John Stuart Mill, the best actions are those whose consequences produces the maximum utility.

Hedonism: According to Jeremy Bentham, the consequences of an action is evaluated by the presence of happiness and the absence of pain.

Examples of Non Consequentialist Theories:

According to Immanuel Kant's Theory, an action is determined to be right or wrong based on fulfilling our ethical duties, rather than on the consequences of that action.

There are 2 types of imperatives (commands) in Kant's Theory, that includes,

- Hypothetical Imperatives: These commands are conditional or optional. (Example: When your brother says, "If you go to the shop, get some cookies" and if you are not going to the shop, then you can ignore that command)

- Categorial Imperative: These commands are unconditional or compulsory. (Example: "Don't break traffic rules!", and if you do not follow that command, it would be unethical)

This categorial imperative is based on the morality of what is right and what is wrong. Thus, we are commanded by the ethics to follow them, and we cannot neglect or deny it.

The difference between Kant's theory and Utilitarianism is that, Kant's theory focuses on whether the action fulfills our ethical duties or not, whereas Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of the action for evaluationg it to be right or wrong.