Explanation of the Utilitarian Ethical Theory Essay

Explanation of the Utilitarian Ethical Theory There are many different ethical approaches that deal with the morality issues we face every day, but the utilitarian approach holds the feeling of morally belonging to a group and the lack of individualism that many others carry. It also can be a very cold approach for those who belong to the minority in a society. This is because the principle of utility says that â€Å"we ought to do that which produces the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people (MacKinnon, 32).† To examine utilitarianism we first need to look at the word, this is where we find the word â€Å"utility† imbedded into it. Utility, by mathematical definition, is â€Å"a measure of the total benefit or†¦show more content†¦This may help us decide. The two main advancers of the utilitarian ethical theory, Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, had similar views as they pertain to the theory, with one main difference, quantity verses quality. The production of the best possible outcome is common between these men’s views, with the exception of what the product is. Jeremy Bentham came before John Stuart Mill in writing about the utilitarian approach to ethics and his views were the backbone for Mill’s. He â€Å"was an English-born student of law and the leader of a radical movement for social and legal reform based on utilitarian principles (MacKinnon, 31).† Bentham was considered to be an act utilitarian which means he believed â€Å"a person performs the acts that benefit the most people, regardless of personal feelings or the societal constraints such as laws.†3 His ideas were for legal reform but, when put to use in normative ethics, we can come to the possible conclusion that for him the decision to save the two ordinary citizens would bring about the greatest pleasure, so the â€Å"would be† hero ought to do it. This is considered a quantitative step to reasoning the action. The two lives saved bring about the greatest good and per the utilitarian theory it is thought to benefit society’s happiness, or welfare, much more than letting the twoShow MoreRelatedA Defense of Utilitarian Ethics1398 Words   |  6 PagesA Defense of Utilitarian Ethics Introduction There are many different ways in which ethical decisions can be made many perspectives, criteria, and principles that can be considered to come to a variety of conclusions, and sometimes directly opposing decisions. While almost any rational consistent ethical system is likely to conclude that it is wrong to kill someone simply because you dont like them, but is it ethically acceptable to kill someone who is threatening your life? 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