Consequentialism Vs Utilitarianism

Through the course of philosophy 210, we have been exposed to many different theories that reward one aspect on what morality. The most recent one, Ross theory of right conduct, which gives a very different aspect on morality as the past theories. In this paper, it will be explain and review Ross theory of right conduct, how it differs from all the other theories, and how we can apply it. The main difference between Ross theory of right conduct and the previously viewed moral theories, such as consequentialism and utilitarianism, is that amount of pleasure is not the entire thing use to judge for what is morally right to do. The amount of pleasure is one aspect of Ross theory to decide what the right thing to do is, however pleasure is not …show more content…
Ross explains that each prima facie is equal to each other, there is no hierarchy between each prima facies. The first prima facie is the duty of fidelity. This prima facie indicates we have a duty to do what we promise. In other words, to follow all the promises we made. For example; if you promises your friend to have lunch this Friday with him, then you have a duty to see him on Friday. The second prima facie is the duty of gratitude. We have a duty to return favors and/or to express gratitude for the help we received. For example; if your roommate helps you out with a project, then you have a duty to return the favor when he needs it. The third prima facie is duty of reparation. We have a duty to fix all the problems we made and bad things we have done to others. For example; if you break your sister’s phone, you have a duty to buy her a new one. The forth prima facie is the duty of justice. The duties we have to be fair and as equal to others as much possible, especially when dealing with distribution of things. For example, treating every student equal and not showing a preference to a particular student because you have known him in the past. The fifth prima facie is the duty of beneficence. This is the duty all consequentialists will agree for, because it tell us to provide as much happiness as possible to others. For example; if you know that your wife enjoys sweets a lot, then it is your duty to give her sweets occasionally. The sixth prima facie is the duty of self-improvement. This dictates that we have a duty to find ways to improve ourselves. An example of this could be, going to the gym to get in good physical condition. The seventh and final prima facie is the duty of non-maleficence. This strongly implies on we have the duty to not bring any type of pain to others. An example of this duty can be the following; you have a duty to not make fun of your brother’s weight, because he has self-esteem