Utilitarianism And Consequentialism Essay

Kant and Consequentialists (Including Utilitarians) differ on several philosophical issues such as assisted-suicide, the right to live. The consequentialist theory focuses on the ultimate consequence of the action , whether an action is right or wrong depending on the outcome. Utilitarianism is the most developed consequentialist theory. Utilitarianism differs to the Kantian theory as it main goal is to maximize happiness and give weight to both the individual and the people associated with the individual “regardless of the contrary urgings of moral rules or unbending moral principles.” (36, Vaughn) Kantian philosophies on the contrary dictate that an action can only be deemed morally right if the action can be deemed universally right that …show more content…
Consequentialism because it is focused primarily on happiness would regard abortion as morally right or wrong depending on whether it bring happiness or pain to the Individuals involved. If the mother was going to go through severe pain and could possibly die if she underwent the pregnancy, then consequentialists and Utilitarians alike would agree that an abortion is the morally right thing to do as it creates more happiness. However, Kantians would disagree as it poses the question as to would It be universally accepted that mothers going through severe pain should have abortions. Although, the mother is going through intense pain, if her actions cannot be universalized then it is immoral to perform the action. The Kantian perspective nowadays is especially difficult and removes the idea of personal autonomy in this situation. Each person has their own choices to make depending on their own life situation. If the mother cannot afford to look after the child because of a debilitating disease, or if the mother is at risk then she should decide whether abortion is the right thing to