What is Utilitarianism? Utilitarianism is the idea that "moral action should be about producing happiness in the world, the more happiness it produces, the better it is" (Garcia, Slide 6). The idea of Utilitarianism can be broken down into two forms; One being Act Utilitarianism and the second being Rule Utilitarianism. Act Utilitarianism is when "an act is morally right just because it maximizes overall well-being, or at least is expected to" (Garcia, Slide 6), while Rule Utilitarianism is when "actions are morally right just because they would be required by social rules that are created to promote overall well-being" (Garcia, Slide 6). In addition to Utilitarianism's break down it has a moral standard that is true to both forms, known as the Principle of Utility. The Principle of
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The short story, The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas, is a prime example of Utilitarian ideals. Throughout the story both Act and Rule Utilitarianism are presented when conveying the idea of a joyous city vs. the inhumane actions and imprisonment of a young child. The story begins with the appearance of a city with birds soaring, colorful landscape, bells ringing, and people dance. Most will tie these simple images to the idea of enjoyment and happiness, however LeGuin begins to counter this image when he presents the belief of the Omelas that "happiness is based on a just discrimination of what is necessary" (LeGuin). Although the city is conveyed with happiness and satisfaction LeGuin reveals that the ability to live in the joyous city ideal rests solely on the solitude of a ten-year-old child. According to the story, "they all know it is there, all the people of Omelas" (LeGuin), yet the child never is released because "their happiness, the beauty of their city…depend wholly on this child's abominable misery" (LeGuin). This conveys the idea of both
The short story, The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas, is a prime example of Utilitarian ideals. Throughout the story both Act and Rule Utilitarianism are presented when conveying the idea of a joyous city vs. the inhumane actions and imprisonment of a young child. The story begins with the appearance of a city with birds soaring, colorful landscape, bells ringing, and people dance. Most will tie these simple images to the idea of enjoyment and happiness, however LeGuin begins to counter this image when he presents the belief of the Omelas that "happiness is based on a just discrimination of what is necessary" (LeGuin). Although the city is conveyed with happiness and satisfaction LeGuin reveals that the ability to live in the joyous city ideal rests solely on the solitude of a ten-year-old child. According to the story, "they all know it is there, all the people of Omelas" (LeGuin), yet the child never is released because "their happiness, the beauty of their city…depend wholly on this child's abominable misery" (LeGuin). This conveys the idea of both