Question

Ethical Egoism and Utilitarianism are both consequentialist theories. As consequentialist theories, how are they similar? Also, what distinguishes them as distinct and different theories? Choose a or b to answer. Watch the film clip from Vertical Limit. How would a utilitarian evaluate Peter’s (Chris O’Donnell) decision to cut the rope? According to Thomson, what is morally required to someone to be justified in turning the trolley in order to kill only one person? Do you think you could meet this criterion?

Answer 1

The consequentialist theories deal with the intention or morality behind an action that led to drive it. It says that every action has a consequence.

The philosophist have proposed to consequentialist theories: utilitarianism and ethical egoism. Utilitarianism is based on consequences that do bigger good. A person decides on the action based on how many people will be benefited from the action.

Ethical egoism is also based on consequences but the morality of action is more self centered. Here the actions are based on consequences favouring oneself rather than others. In ethical egoism person who carries out the actions is more concerned about self good and benefiting himself than other people or society.

In the movie vertical limits peter cut the rope because the rope was not able to tolerate too much weight and if nothing was to done soon all could have died. Cutting the rope let the others reclaim the grip and climb up back to save their lives. The action was based on consequences that would benefit more people. Here peter chose utilitarianism.

In trolley problem, diverting the trolley and killing one person instrad of killing five person on same track would have utilitarianism drive the action.