Deontology and Utilitarianism

• Deontological ethics

  Kant's ideas on ethics based on reason, goodwill, and duty
• Kant's ideas

  • Humans can be ethical without relying on religion
  • Emphasis on reason, goodwill, and duty in ethical living
• Autonomous reason

  Kant's belief that reason is the foundation of ethics
• Goodwill

  Doing what you know is right because it's achievable, doing good things because you want to, not because you have to
• Duty

  What reason determines as our obligation, and it motivates our actions. It is what we should do because our reason tells us it's right.
• Obligation and autonomy

  Duty is something we choose to do because we know it's right, not because of outside pressure. Each person is responsible for their own actions and decisions. Our duty should be universalizable, meaning it's something everyone should do in similar situations.
• Kantian ethics and religion

  Kant's ethics are independent of religion but open to hope. Happiness isn't the goal of ethics for Kant, but it's related to living justly. Religion complements ethics by offering hope for happiness beyond our efforts.
• Kant's ethics provide a rational basis for moral behavior without relying on faith, focusing on duty, reason, and autonomy
• Utilitarianism

  A moral theory that addresses how to judge the morality of actions based on their consequences and the promotion of the greatest happiness for the greatest number
• John Stuart Mill's utilitarianism

  • Focuses on promoting the greatest happiness for the greatest number
  • Defines happiness as pleasure and the absence of pain
  • The Greatest Happiness Principle is the ultimate measure of morality
• Quality vs. quantity of pleasures

  Mill distinguishes between higher and lower pleasures, with some pleasures like those of the intellect considered higher. Utilitarianism considers both the quantity and quality of happiness.
• Higher pleasures

  • Studying for three hours a day can lead to long-term benefits
  • Playing online games provides immediate gratification but may lack lasting fulfillment
• Some argue that happiness is unattainable, but Mill sees it as achievable through a balance of pleasures
• Utilitarianism is accused of ignoring self-sacrifice, but Mill believes it's acceptable when it benefits the majority
• Critics question whether people always act with society in mind, but Mill focuses on the consequences of actions
• The ultimate sanction

  Mill discusses external and internal sanctions for moral conduct, with conscience being the ultimate guide. A clear conscience comes from considering the welfare of others in decision-making.
• Utilitarianism aims to promote happiness for the greatest number, with Mill emphasizing considering both the quantity and quality of happiness. Moral actions contribute to the well-being of the community, guided by conscience.