Kantian And Utilitarianism Analysis

Kantian and utilitarianism are both ethical systems which originate from the normative side of ethics that focuses on how people should act. These theories facilitate in the process of reaching a conclusion on appropriate actions that would be considered as morally right or best. They guide knowledge to a conclusions when situations are complicated and require an attention to details that involve difficult decisions. As Kantian and utilitarianism sit at polar ends of the normative ethics spectrum, their differences in principals and outcomes provide alternative processes in developing strategies to reach the best possible resolution to difficult problems. When evaluating which theory, either Kantian or utilitarianism, would provide a better …show more content…
This theory’s position is that an action or decision is ethically correct if it results in the greatest good to the greatest number of people. However, utilitarianism does not include the intention or motive that influence action, only the utility, the usefulness of an action what produces the greatest happiness. Two nineteenth-century philosophers, Bentham and Mills are accredited with the formulation of utilitarianism. In our text, Bentham and Mills both expressed that happiness is better as well as the right actions produce the greatest balance between happiness over …show more content…
Kantian ethics requires the scientists to consider their intentions are from goodwill, the will to do the right thing morally. Furthermore, Kantian ethics obligates the scientist to ensure their will is consistent by formulating a maxim. This maxim places the scientists to a moral obligation to their subjects as well to themselves. Since Kantian ethics considers what is best for the individual, using Kantian as a foundation for ethical decision making would ensure that venerable test subjects would be protected from exploitation. For these reasons, Kantian would be the best foundation for ethical decision