Utilitarianism and Libertarianism
PO-406-01
Criminal Justice Seminar
Olivia Guiney
February 18th 2016
When I consider Utilitarianism and the principal of utility, I first consider our inherent nature. Our nature and our own fostered environment have us under the governance of “Two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. For pain and pleasure dictates how we live, the decisions we make and the chains of cause and effect. By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of pleasure” (Sandel, 2007). While determining these factors, problems begin to arise. What is defined as pleasure and what is considered pain? One can argue that pleasure, and a freedom from anything-painful are the only ideals desirable as ends. These aspects are desirable either for the pleasure inherent in themselves, or as means to the promotion of pleasure and the prevention of pain (Sandel, 2007). …show more content…
Deciding how and when to prioritize happiness for the greatest number of people can become very controversial. In the criterion of right and wrong, there is always a level of uncertainty and reservation. What is deemed “right” in some eyes is considered so wrong in the eyes of another. How can one determine what is considered as happiness for some, because perhaps this is simply not considered a state of happiness for
PO-406-01
Criminal Justice Seminar
Olivia Guiney
February 18th 2016
When I consider Utilitarianism and the principal of utility, I first consider our inherent nature. Our nature and our own fostered environment have us under the governance of “Two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure. For pain and pleasure dictates how we live, the decisions we make and the chains of cause and effect. By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of pleasure” (Sandel, 2007). While determining these factors, problems begin to arise. What is defined as pleasure and what is considered pain? One can argue that pleasure, and a freedom from anything-painful are the only ideals desirable as ends. These aspects are desirable either for the pleasure inherent in themselves, or as means to the promotion of pleasure and the prevention of pain (Sandel, 2007). …show more content…
Deciding how and when to prioritize happiness for the greatest number of people can become very controversial. In the criterion of right and wrong, there is always a level of uncertainty and reservation. What is deemed “right” in some eyes is considered so wrong in the eyes of another. How can one determine what is considered as happiness for some, because perhaps this is simply not considered a state of happiness for