Question

How do the encyclicals correct or reject principles of Utilitarianism?

Answer 1

The utilitarian theory says that the rightness or the wrongness of an act depends upon its consequences. The act that produces a large amount of happiness and less pain is the right act.

The encyclicals are the circular letter issued by the papal to be spread through the whole community; these are the instruction given by the head of the religious leader to the followers.

The word encyclical is derived from the Greek word "egkyklios" of which kyklios means circle. Circular is the letter that contains important information. The circulars issued by papal are with the intention of making people aware of what is happening and what one should do. These are the guidance issued by the Pope.

Recently Pope Francis had issued an encyclical, with the intention of making people aware of climate change. It points out the reason for such changes and the responsibility of mankind towards nature.

According to him, these are human acts that have given rise to climate change. He further says that his letter is meant for the whole world and not exclusively for his community because the whole world is getting affected by climate change. It is a collective responsibility of each one of us to take care of nature.

It does not reject the principle of Utilitarianism, the circular issued are for the benefit of mankind, the consequences are good and the action is also good.

Usually, encyclicals deals with the Catholic teachings, Catholic teaching teaches one to be merciful. The Utilitarian theory is based on the end result, ignoring the act, which means it allows killing an innocent person to save three people is the right action because by killing one person the three are saved. This is against the teachings of religious teaching. Religions tell one to be morally right and for a morally right person, the consequences are not always happy. Jesus teaches to be merciful and says “if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also”.