Relationship Between The Principle Of Utility And Moral Rules

Evaluate Mill’s understanding of the relationship between the principle of utility and moral rules. In this essay I will argue that Mill thinks that there is a strong relationship between the two concepts, although he regards moral rules as having a subordinate relationship towards the principle of utility. Mill is a rule utilitarian who believes moral rules are useful guidelines for everyday uses, but reverts to the principle of utility in complex moral situations. In this essay I will also argue for the advantages of Mill’s understanding of the relationship between the two concepts as it incorporates religious moral rules, helps prevent ‘evil’ acts, and creates an ethical theory suitable and practical for daily use. Mill’s predecessor, Jeremy Bentham is an act utilitarian who looks at the consequences of each individual act and calculates utility each time the act is performed. In contrast, Mill is a rule utilitarian who introduces the idea of secondary principles which we should adopt in order to guide our actions and which support the primary ‘greatest happiness’ principle. These rules are adopted because experience has shown that adherence to these rules tends to produce the greatest happiness as he looks at the consequences of having everyone follow a particular rule and calculates the overall utility of accepting or rejecting the rule. However, you can break the rule if certain consequences require it as the aim for the greater good is the most important. You mayShow MoreRelatedThe Similarities and Differences Between Different Ethical Theories651 Words   |  3 PagesSimilarities and Differences in Ethics: The main aim of any ethical theory is to do what is right and good since it involves moral rules or acting based on specific ethical values. In certain cases, the right and good as well as the ethical rules and values are sometimes common to various ethical theories. Even though ethical theories have different reasons for application, there is an overlap in these theories that result in similar conduct in an ethical situation. There are various ethical theoriesRead MoreSimilarity Between Religion And Utilitarianism813 Words   |  4 Pagessimilarities between religion and utilitarian, religion is not utilitarian. The basic idea of utilitarianism is hat actions are judged according to their consequences and the relevant consequence of every action is happiness. There is a similarity between religion and utilitarianism. For example, love includes wanting happiness and religious principles such as loving others the way you love yourself and doing to others what you expect them to you are founded on utilitarian principles. The ultimateRead MoreBroad-Based Blac Economic Empowerment996 Words   |  4 Pagesconsequences of BBBEE and other affirmative action tools implemented by the South African Government, and the role of these measures in the present and future workplace. Stakeholder Theory Stakeholder theory states that managers within a company have a moral duty beyond merely maximizing profits and not involving potential role players (Beauchamp 2009). It says that a manager has ethical obligations to help all stakeholders within a company as well as external stakeholders. These stakeholders includeRead MoreAnalyzing the Parable of the Sadhu1559 Words   |  7 PagesHence it becomes ambiguous to justify his actions. Kantian Ethics: Should abide by the following 2 principles: *Maxim should become a universal law *Never treat people simply as means to an end but always at the same time as ends in themselves In the parable, Stephen says that the hikers would have treated the Sadhu differently if he had been from the same ethnic group as them. However Kantian principle forbids such behaviour. One should treat all equally irrespective of ethnicity, caste, sex etcRead MoreThe Connection Between Law And Morality1718 Words   |  7 Pagespopular conception of the connection between law and morality is that in some way the law exists to promote morality, to preserve those conditions which make the moral life possible, and thus to enable men to lead sober and industrious lives. Morality is a value-impregnated concept relating to certain normative patterns which aim at the augmentation of good and reduction of evil on individual and social life. The sphere of morality denotes rules or principles governing human behaviour which applyRead MoreThe Ethical Theory Of Ethics898 Words   |  4 Pages Ethics also known as moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that involves the classification, defense and endorsement of concepts of right and wrong actions that govern an individual’s behavior. Based on the â€Å"Billy and Suzy† scenario from a utilitarian ethical perspective, I would choose to follow Billy to ensure that nothing transpires between him and the lady he left the bar with. The best action to take would be to follow him and ensure that he does not leave for the night with the lady.Read MoreThree Approaches to Making Ethical Decisions Within an Educational Institution1700 Words   |  7 Pageseducational institutions. Philosophical, s ocial and moral principles and values accentuate ethical decision-making and shape the foundation for understanding the relationship between an individuals values and decisions made in educational institutions. Administrating what an individual knows is right is not always straightforward, and determining what is right is often difficult (Beckner, 2004). An exact collection of ethical principles and moral concepts in decision-making does not exist. An understandingRead MoreFeminist Thought and Ethics of Care Essay993 Words   |  4 Pagescare, an equally valid moral perspective, is usually disregarded because of male bias. The two perspectives are often pleasant-sounding, but a need for care point of view precedence exists. While truth is evident in both these statements, the problem of distinguishing between them becomes apparent soon after. Many feminist look to psychologist Carol Gilligans research for evidence to confirm the difference between characteristically male and female approaches to moral decision making. Her researchRead MoreCustomer Perception on Buying House5873 Words   |  24 PagesPrinciples of Ethical Reasoning Adapted from Business Ethics, Concepts and Cases: Manuel Velasquez (2006) Prentice Hall Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is a general term for any view that holds that actions and policies should be evaluated on the basis of the benefits and costs they will impose on society. In any situation, the â€Å"right† action or policy is the one that will produce the greatest net benefits or the lowest net costs (when all alternatives have only net costs). Many businessesRead MoreEthical Theories And Principles Of Medical Ethics Essay2030 Words   |  9 PagesMedical Ethics PHIL 148 @ Binghamton University, Sum 11 By Brandon Ethical Theories and Principles This week we covered the various ethical theories and principles we will be using throughout the course. Test your knowledge of the readings using the quiz. Instructions Each week a quiz will be provided on the second Reading Day (Tuesday. Don t let this practice quiz on a Friday throw you off!). You can use this quiz to test your textual knowledge and reading abilities and to guarantee a firm foundation