Similarities Between Deontology And Utilitarianism

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On the other hand, Deontology, also known as Kantianism, is an ethical theory based in rationalism where the motives determine the ethical value of the act, not the consequences. In deontology, Kant suggests that there are universal ethical rules that are common sense and gathered through reason, not experience (Burkhardt and Nathaniel, 32; vol. 2). Therefore, the moral rules are applicable to everyone regardless of the situation. As a result, everyone who is a person has the right to equality, privacy, veracity, and freedom. Another important aspect of deontology is the idea of humans creating their own destinies and making their own decisions. This concept is known as autonomy and emphasizes the idea that individuals should be able to act …show more content…
Utilitarianism relies on experience and our responsibility to maximize pain over pleasure. Therefore, the motive behind the action is not important if the ends or consequences were justified with the greatest amount of good. As a result, individuals have the moral responsibility to produce the most benefits for the community, even if it does not align with their happiness. Deontology relies on universal knowledge and respecting other peoples decisions. This theory ensures that each person is treated with respect and has the ability to make their own decisions. Unlike utilitarianism, deontology does not make situational exceptions, or value pain over pleasure. Deontology values doing what is right, regardless of the situation. The last difference between utilitarianism and deontology is that utilitarianism is based of naturalism, and deontology is based off rationalism. Naturalism is a type of moral judgment that bases ethics and morals on human nature and psychology (Burkhardt and Nathaniel, 25 vol; 2). In naturalism, it is suggested that there are universal judgments and viewpoints that are dependent on how people feel towards specific situations. In other words, people are drawn toward pleasure and flee from pain. Rationalism emphasizes that there are universal truths that are …show more content…
In other words, sexual harassment does not maximize the most amount of good to the community, or maximize the most happiness. According to Ethics and Issues in Contemporary Nursing, individuals have a moral responsibility to “…produce benefit, advantage, pleasure, good or happiness…or… to prevent the happening of mischief, pain, evil, or unhappiness to the party whose interest is considered (Burkhardt and Nathaniel, 28; vol.2). The results of sexual harassment to females are not only traumatizing, but can have lasting affects as well. Common effects of sexual harassment include many different types of emotional and economic issues to develop like anxiety, depression, the loss of a job, and a decrease in the amount of wages (Sexual Harassment Fact Sheet, 1). These effects of sexual harassment can last from weeks to years. Sexual harassment is unethical because neither the consequences, or the motives justify the actions of unwanted sexual advances. Instead, it causes harm to the community which goes against one of the main utilitarian

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