Comparing Kant And Mill Essay

The great philosophers Kant, Aristotle, and Mill, are all men of reason and rationality. However, while they share some similarities in terms of their moral laws, they share many differences as well. Kant, Aristotle, and Mill are similar in that they all use rationality from a fundamental principle to distinguish what is morally correct and incorrect, yet they are different in that they each base morality on different things. Aristotle and Kant both believed that morality is achieved by actions and not by the outcome of the action. They both believed that reason was the guide to understanding morality, not emotions. They were also similar in that they believed that some actions should never be taken because they are intrinsically evil. However, Aristotle believed that morality was guided by the mean and Kant believed that morality was guided by laws and codes of action. Aristotle’s theories were more situational, while Kant’s were not. Aristotle defined morality as achieved by virtuous actions and Kant defined morality as achieved through duties. Aristotle thought that the highest good was happiness and it could only be achieved through virtuous acts. Kant thought that virtue is good will and that it could only be …show more content…
Mill believed in utilitarianism which meant acting for the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This is similar to Kant’s beliefs except for the fact the Kant valued intentions or the good will behind actions, while Mill valued consequences of actions. While Kant believed that one should act according to one’s duties, Mills believed that one should act in accordance to pursuing pleasure. Mill believed that ends are pleasures. Kant believed that acts shouldn’t use a person as an end to a means. Furthermore, Kant thought that actions should be carried out from good will and for the end and nothing