Question

Briefly describe the basics of the following ethical theories: Egoism, Utilitarianism, and Kant’s Ethics.

Answer 1

When we talk about philosophy, egoism can be seen as the theory which is related to oneself or the way one should be, it also includes the level of motivation and the action of an individual. There are mainly two types of egoism which are descriptive or normative.

In case of descriptive egoism, the main focus remains on the factual description of human-related matters which is mainly how different individuals are motivated by their self-interest and wants and other means cannot be used to describe them.

On the other hand, normative egoism explains that different individuals should be motivated irrespective of the various factors which are able to motivate their current behaviour.

Utilitarianism can be seen as an ethical concept or theory which explains the best course of action can be seen as the one which has the capability of maximizing the utility. There are the various meaning of utility but in most common ways it is defined as the well being of the majority. In the opinion of Jeremy Bentham who is the founder of utilitarianism, the utility can be seen as the argumentation of different pleasure which can be derived from a certain action and subtracting it from the suffering and discomfort of any individual who is involved in that action. Utilitarianism can be treated as a form of consequentialism which explains that results of any action can be seen as the right and wrong.

Kant’s ethics can be seen as an example of the deontological moral theory. In these theories, the results or the consequence of any action does not decide the rightness or wrongness of actions but it is mainly dependent on the fulfilment of the duty. In the opinion of Kant, the principle of morality is supreme and it is regarded as Categorical Imperative