Normative Ethics: Utilitarianism and Deontology



Normative Ethics: Utilitarianism and Deontology

Introduction

The moral test i.e. Utilitarianism, tests rightness or wrongness of actions, on the basis of its produces of pain and pleasures whereas the Ethics of Deontology, which are derived from Greek origins, means duty or obligation. It is a branch of ethics that judges the morality of an action being done, which should comply with the rules set by a person. Therefore, Deontologists are moral absolutists which believe some actions are wrong no matter consequences they may have or whatever the after math will be.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to answer the question put forth in the case study about Katrina and use the concepts of Utilitarianism and Deontology to shed lights on the evens in the lives of Brian and Lilly.

Discussion

Utilitarianism

An Ethics based theory of Consequentiality; it judges the right and wrong, of actions, with reference to the result of these actions. With this theory, an objective, irrefutable and secure moral basis was established by Bentham and Mill. These libertarians were highly suspicious to theories of morality that seemed subjective and arbitrary. Mill and Bentham were looking for a democratically charged approach to law making and ethics. This was in line with their mindsets that were anti-imperialist, anti-monarchist and anti-establishment. They contended that actions should be judged on the basis of their result. The result would offer clarity with respect to the rightness or wrongness of the action partaken.

Deontological Ethics

Utilitarianism is often contrasted with Deontological ethics. These consider an act to be good when someone is doing what they ought to do (one's duty), and bad when not doing this. Deontologists are only interested in the act, and not whether doing something leads to good or bad consequences. However, one of the weaknesses of this theory is this ...