In society, when an individual faces a situation where a moral dilemma arises they must make an ethical decision. One approach is the utilitarian theory where one considers the consequences that arise from their decision. Another approach is deontological ethics where one considers the morality of their actions. Using Andrew Bailey’s First Philosophy: Second Edition I will further explain my points on both utilitarianism and deontology, and explain why I believe Immanuel Kant’s theory of deontology is flawed using the trolley problem. I will argue that John Stuart Mill’s theory of utilitarianism is a more appropriate approach to moral dilemmas, as making calculated decisions in consequentialism results in better outcomes for society. The
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Utilitarian’s also believe an ethical decision is based on the happiness principle, in which an outcome that provides the most happiness and is desired by the most people is the morally desirably option, “...Of two pleasures, if there be one to which all or almost all who have experience of both a decided preference, irrespective to any feeling of moral obligation to prefer it that is the more desirable pleasure” (Bailey, 99). Therefore, according to a Utilitarian calculation, pulling the lever to kill the one individual and save the five people would be the most desirable outcome as it would bring the highest level of happiness and the least amount of …show more content…
The act of being responsible for a death to even one individual is not something I would be proud of, but as a Utilitarian believes, the action is acceptable when there is a greater, positive intention and not a negative motive. “Actions, according to Mill, include within themselves two parts: an intention (which is different from a motive-it is not why the action is done but what the action is intended to achieve), and the action’s effects.” (Bailey, 90) The Utilitarian considers moral decision’s to be based upon the intention and the effects of the action, which is why they would save five individuals over one individual, or the one individual with the cure to cancer over the five individuals because in both situations the outcome results in saving more people. In a situation such as the trolley problem where the train is still moving, the Utilitarian approach reflects a logical way of thinking that an average person in this situation would think. An individual would be quick to choose between saving one or five strangers, and they would save the five as it is the most logical approach this
Utilitarian’s also believe an ethical decision is based on the happiness principle, in which an outcome that provides the most happiness and is desired by the most people is the morally desirably option, “...Of two pleasures, if there be one to which all or almost all who have experience of both a decided preference, irrespective to any feeling of moral obligation to prefer it that is the more desirable pleasure” (Bailey, 99). Therefore, according to a Utilitarian calculation, pulling the lever to kill the one individual and save the five people would be the most desirable outcome as it would bring the highest level of happiness and the least amount of …show more content…
The act of being responsible for a death to even one individual is not something I would be proud of, but as a Utilitarian believes, the action is acceptable when there is a greater, positive intention and not a negative motive. “Actions, according to Mill, include within themselves two parts: an intention (which is different from a motive-it is not why the action is done but what the action is intended to achieve), and the action’s effects.” (Bailey, 90) The Utilitarian considers moral decision’s to be based upon the intention and the effects of the action, which is why they would save five individuals over one individual, or the one individual with the cure to cancer over the five individuals because in both situations the outcome results in saving more people. In a situation such as the trolley problem where the train is still moving, the Utilitarian approach reflects a logical way of thinking that an average person in this situation would think. An individual would be quick to choose between saving one or five strangers, and they would save the five as it is the most logical approach this