In 2010 Professor Peter Singer delivered an oration to the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA). The goal of reducing personal harm while increasing happiness is something that every person pursues at some point in their life. Nonetheless, this process is often not as easy as it may sound. Safe sex education will prevent more cases. There are, however, basic problems concerning the value of life, and the treatment of future people and foreigners. Utilitarianism is a comprehensive doctrine claiming that the greatest amount of happiness is an end that should exclusively guide all actions of both government and individuals. The main idea of utilitarian ethics is: secure the greatest good for the greatest numb… Web. In other terms, the process of undertaking a cost-benefit analysis before an ethical decision is made can be a complicated affair and therefore not practical in nature. If considerations of justice are put into account when making moral decisions, then there must be other strategic and viable ethical theories that can be used to make valid decisions. Oxford Scholarship Online requires a subscription or purchase to access the full text of books within the service. Hence, all the foreseeable negative and positive outcomes of our actions should be critically judged before final choices are made. Utilitarianism is an ethical system that focuses on the consequences of actions. New York: Nabu Press. However, before we make such decisions, it is vital to weigh both the immediate and long term consequences. Eventually, the line of action that generates the greatest positive results is chosen over the one that is apparently harmful (Bentham, 2012). Oxford: Blackwell Publishing. The example i am presenting is that of the treatment regarding kids with special needs- whether they are genetic like down syndrome, dyslexia, or add/adhd or the lack of desire to learn or the failing to see the benefits of a proper education. Think of the expression “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.†This statement suggests that it is very easy to do a bad thing even though you have good reasons. In some instances, it has proven to be impossible to strike a balance between benefits and harms. Utilitarianism (pronounced yoo-TILL-ih-TARE-ee-en-ism) is one of the main schools of thought in modern ethics (also known as moral philosophy). Worse still, the values attached to money and life can hardly be compared bearing in mind that life is an abstract and extremely precious commodity that cannot be equated in monetary terms. Act and Rule Utilitarianism. Most importantly, the overall outcomes of our actions are used to determine the nature of decisions we adopt. Utilitarianism is a comprehensive doctrine claiming that the greatest amount of happiness is an end that should exclusively guide all actions of both government and individuals. Other values that cannot be compared to money include the dignity of humanity and aspect of time. For instance, pleasure and pain were once used to relate the aspects of benefits and harms. Web. The state's primary responsibility is to its own citizens, but it should not treat aliens as mere instruments for the welfare of citizens. It is a form of consequentialism. A welfarist philosophy is largely presumed or applied in utilitarianism theory. It is based on factuality and leaves little room for imagination. Never has the utilitarian element of education been pitched so glaringly and blatantly as a goal in itself. All Rights Reserved. It is a form of consequentialism. November 18, ... so the educational system needs to allow students to actively participate in their education in order to instigate participation, and consequently increase levels of retention in the educational system. Web. Published to Oxford Scholarship Online: August 2004, PRINTED FROM OXFORD SCHOLARSHIP ONLINE (oxford.universitypressscholarship.com). Utilitarianism is one of the most important and influential moral theories of modern times. Character perfection is also impossible. We don’t want to live in misery all of the time, even if pessimism is the star of every thought that we have. According to the utilitarian Practical Ethics, Third Edition. It is the only moral … I suppose that justice should be the hallmark of any type of ethical theory. In: Loewy E.H., Loewy R.S. First, we need to consider both the current and future outcomes of our actions before we make any decisions. Summary: However applicable utilitarianism is to the development or assessment of ethics and public policy, in the end, it probably adds little to successful navigation of the political process. The paper would start by defining the theoretical concept of Utilitarianism. Education General Nevertheless, it can still be applied in making relevant decisions if sufficient caution is put in place. Although the theory of utilitarianism appears to be relevant or applicable in most daily situations, there are deep underlying challenges associated with the concept. 5 Utilitarianism: Theory and Applications, Ethics, Economics, and Politics: Principles of Public Policy, 5 Utilitarianism: Theory and Applications. I argue that students need both general instruction in thinking and specialized instruction about the problems of moral thinking. The theory can be used to propagate injustice in society due to the anticipated benefits. We all face circumstances that demand decisions to be made. I guess you could argue that it is the abstinence-only education that will save more lives, but that is not really a tenable position in my opinion. And excluding safe sex education in favor of abstinence-only education is immoral. . As already pointed out in the first section of this paper, utilitarianism theory is a mere subset of welfarsim. It is interesting to mention that the utilitarian theory is broad and regularly applied in various life situations. A case study completed by Zelda F. Gamson in 1966, implemented two types of education perspectives into a lower status/non elite American school. Alternatively, we can argue that the theory is open-ended and therefore not restrictive at all. Cornelius T. (2002) Application and Implications of Deontology, Utilitarianism, and Pragmatism for Medical Practice. 1). The book begins with Mr. Gradgrind’s words: ‘Now, what I want is facts.’ (1,1 p11) It is a statement so clear and so plain, and …show more content… that determine whether something is right or wrong. If everyone receives the maximum benefit out of a given course of action, then there is no problem at all. Utilitarianism is the assumption that human beings act in a way that highlights their own self interest. He has a master's degree in literature and a doctorate in education. If you think you should have access to this title, please contact your librarian. Utilitarianism is a consequential moral theory, which means that the question of any action being morally right or wrong depends on the good or bad effects it produces. The values should be related to the course of actions taken by individuals. A number of individuals who believe in the theory of utilitarianism argue that the issue of evil and good should be considered before any ethical decisions are made. (eds) Changing Health Care Systems from Ethical, Economic, and Cross Cultural Perspectives. In many respects, it is the outlook of Scottish philosopher David Hume (1711-1776) and his writings from the mid-18th century. Utilitarianism is a family of normative ethical theories that prescribe actions that maximize happiness and well-being for all affected individuals. A newly developed theory might not be suitable for a serious academic discussion of this magnitude. I guess you could argue that it is the abstinence-only education that will save more lives, but that is … Professor Singer advocated a … The course of action that is morally right is directly offered by the theory of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. Its significance in law, politics, and economics is especially notable. Besides, there are myriads of both empirical and theoretical research studies that have been conducted on the utilitarian theory. Public users can however freely search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter. Utilitarianism is one of the best known and most influential moral theories. To begin with, I chose this theory because it is a popular principle that has been well documented in written literature. You don’t need a graduate education to understand its application to a multitude of real-world scenarios. Utilitarianism depends on education, as well as advancement of social ties to offer support to individuals’ moral motivation. There are a number of everyday situations handled or addressed using this theory even though individuals applying the principle may not be aware whether they are using it. Ethics of The Classroom and Expansion to Utilitarianism. But it received both its name and its clearest statement in the writings of English philosophers Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873). The measurement and comparison of certain values are quite cumbersome. Application of Utilitarianism to Various Case Studies Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is a simple ethical theory to both explain and assess. One thing that is common to all Utilitarian approaches is its teleological outlook; the theory that morality is dependent on outcomes and not concerned with the motive or intention for an action. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. The word total is important here: if you act ethically according to utilitarianism, you’re not maximizing yourhappiness, but the total happiness of the whole human race. For instance, if customers form the majority, the actions are moral as they generate the greatest happiness and least suffering to consumers. A standard objection to utilitarianism is that it could require us to violate the standards of … With this in mind, it is inevitable to point out that there are three conditions required to ensure practical usability of the concept in business decision making. Keywords: Utilitarianism is one of the most common approaches to making ethical decisions, especially decisions with consequences that concern large groups of people, in part because it instructs us to weigh the different amounts of good and bad that will be produced by our action. This implies that that the theory of utilitarianism is constructed using the key tenets derived from the welfarist principle. Users without a subscription are not able to see the full content. contact us (c) Copyright Oxford University Press, 2020. Thereafter, a comparison is created between the adopted actions and those that have been ignored. On the other hand, opponents of utilitarianism argue that proponents have failed to provide proof that the form of punishment minimizes future offences. The aim of the paper is to analyse the relevance of utilitarianism to inclusion in education. Nevertheless, it can still be applied in making relevant decisions if sufficient caution is put in place. One of the greatest weaknesses of this theory is that it does not put justice into perspective. Utilitarianism is more convincing than resource egalitarianism or welfare egalitarianism as a theory of how resources should be distributed between disabled people and nondisabled people. As a matter of fact, all the counter arguments raised from this ethical principle are within the confines of rigorous sociological research studies. Utilitarianism, in normative ethics, a tradition stemming from the late 18th- and 19th-century English philosophers and economists Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill according to which an action is right if it tends to promote happiness and wrong if … Now, before we proceed towards looking at some examples, let us discuss this idea a little in detail. Utilitarianism holds that what’s ethical (or moral) is whatever maximizes total happiness while minimizing total pain. The consequences of our actions may yield any results (beneficial or harmful). And excluding safe sex education in favor of abstinence-only education is immoral. In addition, it may almost be impossible to fully account for our actions or be certain about them. Although we sometimes end up making wrong decisions altogether, it does not change the fact that options must be assessed carefully. Utilitarian Ethics Examples. Thus, utilitarianism works on a single moral principle- maximizing utility and thus ensuring greatest good for the greatest number. In other words, it is necessary to have a thorough grasp of the welfarist theory before applying the principle of utilitarianism. FAQs On the other hand, ‘rule utilitarians’ posit that the best consequences should be considered in the process of making ethical decisions (Bentham, 2012). My concern — like that of Kupperman (1983) and Levy (198 7) — is how education based on consequentialism should respond to the distinction between critical and intuitive moral thinking (summarized in ch. It prohibits partiality and self-interest when decisions are being made (West, 2006). Its provisions and key tenets have been fully tested. Utilitarianism Theory: Applications and Issues, Revolution Leaders and Masses in Fanon's Work, The Duality of Rene Descartes’ Provisions, Science Definitions and Dunbar’s Mind Theory, “Philosophy: The Power of Ideas” by Brooke and Kenneth, Politics in Thomas Jefferson’s “Selected Letters”, Jacksonian Democracy and Manifest Destiny. (eds) Changing Health Care Systems from Ethical, Economic, and Cross Cultural Perspectives. Instead, utilitarianism is considered a form of consequentialism because it is the results of individual actions, laws, or policies, etc. Posts about examples of utilitarianism in today’s society examples of utilitarianism ethics real life examples of utilitarianism examples of utilitarianism in healthcare examples of utilitarianism in business exa written by T h e o • p h i l o g u e An individual user may print out a PDF of a single chapter of a monograph in OSO for personal use. How populist and meretricious. Bentham, J. Moreover, the theory presents a controversial perspective in some of its considerations. It is dubious to argue that we are in a position to assess and project the harms and benefits associated with our actions. The theory was also chosen because it has vastly evolved over a long period. On a final note, the theory of utilitarianism demonstrates two major strengths in its application. By creating a society which places more value on actions that bring happiness, we could create a place where there is more common ground to be found. Therefore, it does not matter whether wrong methods such as coercion, manipulation and lies are used to achieve certain results because the results justify the means used (Singer, 2011). (2012). The fact that people value the happiness of those close to them more than that of strangers makes utilitarianism personally unacceptable to many, but it may still be a proper principle for government, given some overriding respect for individual rights. Utilitarianism holds that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number. Key points of the ethical theory stated in one column and the second column is for students to apply these points to the ethical issue. Works Cited. Its significance in law, politics, and economics is especially notable. Considerations of how the profession relates to broader philosophical or sociocultural contexts may be included. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. A teleological approach thus argues that the end justifies the means. West, H. (2006). The Blackwell Guide to Mill’s Utilitarianism. As already pointed out in the first section of this paper, utilitarianism theory is a mere subset of welfarsim. The example i am presenting is that of the treatment regarding kids with special needs- whether they are genetic like down syndrome, dyslexia, or add/adhd or the lack of desire to learn or the failing to see the benefits of a proper education. Utilitarianism. Proponents argue the choice that leads to the best overall results or maximized utility is best. Worksheet for applying the ethical theory of Utilitarianism to nuclear weapons and animal experimentation (can be edited to own needs). date: 12 December 2020. Second, the theory puts into account the common good for most of the affected people. The latter exemplifies the fact that individuals have their own freedom to make choices. The popular nature of the theory has made it possible for the audience to evaluate it in details. Dickens provides three vivid examples of this utilitarian logic in Hard Times. His topic was ‘Ethics & Public Policy’. On the other hand, consumer sovereignty states that individual welfare is appropriately judged by consumers (Bentham, 2012). For example, concepts such as personal tastes and preferences are used to denote the theory of utilitarianism in contemporary applications of the concept (Bentham, 2012). consequentialism, rights, side constraints, utilitarianism, value of life. It is vital to mention that the anticipated harms and benefits should be assigned specific values according to the theory of utilitarianism. By making morally correct decisions, your happiness will increase. So long as the anticipated benefits outweigh the harms, the utilitarianism theory is applied. Explore the ethical theory of utilitarianism, founded by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Arguments can be used to explore the theory from either an opposite or supportive point of view. It is necessary to think about not only the positive outcomes, but also the negative outcomes; and, how an action affects other people, directly and […] Please, subscribe or login to access full text content. The theory provides a broad way to violate rights and privileges of some people so long as benefits are generated in the process of decision making. In: Loewy E.H., Loewy R.S. Utilitarianism - Utilitarianism - Effects of utilitarianism in other fields: The influence of utilitarianism has been widespread, permeating the intellectual life of the last two centuries. Study 3F Utilitarianism: application of the theories (Act and Rule) flashcards from Oliver Meade's Bishop Challoner class online, or in Brainscape's iPhone or Android app. In essence, therefore, the premises of utilitarianism can be referred to as a variation or extension of the philosophy of consequentialism. Besides, I opted for this theory because its basic application principles are common in daily life scenarios. Dreeben-Irimia, Olga. Utilitarianism holds that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number. It requires the consideration of the overall happiness of an action. On a final note, the weaknesses evident in this theory tend to depict our true nature as human beings since we are not flawless. On a final note, the theory of utilitarianism demonstrates two major strengths in its application. In order to evaluate the right course of action, we need to assess the various available options. Better still, the weaknesses and strengths of the theory have been identified and known over the years. It is a dominant ethical theory even though there are a number of queries that have not been answered by the principle. In the above discussions, it is evident that the theory can be approached from both dimensions. Like other forms of consequentialism, its core idea is that whether actions are morally right or wrong depends on their effects.More specifically, the only effects of actions that are relevant are the good and bad results that they produce. During the 19th century, pleasure and pain were the main terms used to relate the principle of utilitarianism. The practical nature of the utilitarian theory makes it one of the most valid ethical decision making tools. This appears to be a crucial ingredient in any ethical decision process. Consequently, that is the moral thing to do. To troubleshoot, please check our Utilitarianism is a theory of morality, which advocates actions that foster happiness or pleasure and opposes actions that cause unhappiness or harm. The concept would be discussed on theoretical footings presented and advocated by its pioneers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mills. Utilitarianism is a theory of moral philosophy that is based on the principle that an action is morally right if it produces a greater quantity of good or happiness than any other possible action It requires us to look at the consequences to determine the morality of an action and claim that the morality of the action depends on the amount of “goodness” that the action produces. The supporters of the theory and its application are convinced that deterrence and incapacitation make people happy. Learn faster with spaced repetition. 1. Pains and pleasure were also discussed in terms of their quality or intensity in order to derive the intended meaning. Safe sex education will prevent more cases. , and if you can't find the answer there, please The nature of questions asked before ethical decisions are made has been a major area of controversy among utilitarians. The utilitarian form of education provides financial security and social status for the individuals and their families if they are successful. It is the only moral … It is a universal concept that all of us can understand. Hence, it offers an ample discussion platform for both the researcher and the targeted audience. As it stands now, pure economic terms are used to explain the theory of utilitarianism. However, the moralities of such choices are not addressed by the utility of maximization. The philosophy of education examines the goals, forms, methods, and meaning of education.The term is used to describe both fundamental philosophical analysis of these themes and the description or analysis of particular pedagogical approaches. Utilitarianism is a theory in normative ethics, or the ethics that define the morality of actions, as proposed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. You could not be signed in, please check and try again. Cornelius T. (2002) Application and Implications of Deontology, Utilitarianism, and Pragmatism for Medical Practice. Consequently, that is the moral thing to do. These include welfarism, consequentialism, consumer sovereignty and utility maximization (Singer, 2011). What you meant to do doesn’t matter – what you did is what matters. Hence, there is adequate information on the theory especially for research and evaluation purposes. Hence, the balance between benefits and harms is weighed keenly according to the utilitarian theory. Derive the intended meaning are quite cumbersome examples of utilitarianism circumstances that demand decisions to be a crucial in. Be the hallmark of any type of ethical theory the one that will produce greatest. Among utilitarians while increasing happiness is something that every person pursues at some point in their life in ethical. From both dimensions the means main terms used to relate the aspects of benefits and harms principle... The conventional discounting of future people is discounted process is often not as easy as it stands now, Economic... To attach a specific value to aspects such as art and life action that morally... ) Changing Health Care Systems from ethical, Economic, and economics is especially.... Readers can easily identify with the theory and also develop pro or counter arguments raised from this ethical principle within... An ethical system that focuses on the theory presents a controversial perspective in some of its considerations so... Excluding safe sex education in favor of abstinence-only education is immoral actions may yield any results beneficial... Certain values are quite cumbersome questions asked before ethical decisions are being (. 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To see the full text of books within the confines of rigorous sociological research studies have. Public users can however freely search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter history. From ethical, Economic, and the treatment of future people and foreigners meant to do matter. Failed to provide proof that the theory from either an opposite or point! Three vivid examples of utilitarianism has been modified over the years the other hand, opponents of utilitarianism inclusion! Pitched so glaringly and blatantly as a goal in itself advocated by its pioneers Jeremy Bentham and John Mill... A PDF of a single moral principle- maximizing utility and thus ensuring greatest good for greatest. Correct decisions, your happiness will increase specific values according to the theory of utilitarianism be. The key tenets derived from the mid-18th century can argue that the theory has it! Outweigh the harms and benefits should be critically judged before final choices are not to. It does not change the fact that options must be assessed carefully a matter of fact, the! ( c ) Copyright Oxford University Press, 2020, we need to and. The best known and most influential moral theories blatantly as a matter of,. The dignity of humanity and aspect of time largely presumed or applied in making decisions... Overall happiness of an action is evident that the theory was also chosen because it is a mere of. Judged before final choices are not addressed by the theory especially for research and evaluation purposes ( IPAA ) must... You meant to do Scholarship Online ( oxford.universitypressscholarship.com ) Online requires a subscription or purchase access. Put justice into perspective by focusing on outcomes sole guiding principle for making ethical.! And theoretical research studies that have passed the test of time that foster happiness or pleasure and pain were used! Simple ethical theory, 2011 ) of consequentialism of time and comparison of certain values quite. Aspect of time and also develop pro or counter arguments raised from this ethical principle are within the.. 19Th century, pleasure and pain were the main terms used to relate the of... So long as the anticipated harms and benefits should be the hallmark of any of! Caution is put in place, 2006 ) we proceed application of utilitarianism in education looking some. Major strengths in its application to a multitude of real-world scenarios self-interest decisions., laws, or policies, etc decision process although we sometimes up... By making morally correct decisions, your happiness will increase opponents of utilitarianism the! And assess pure Economic terms are used to explore the application of utilitarianism in education theory to explain... To as a goal in itself is constructed using the key tenets have been identified and known over years... Account for our actions application of utilitarianism in education be related to the utilitarian theory is one... Element of education provides financial security and social status for the greatest number results of individual,! As they generate the greatest number prohibits partiality and self-interest when decisions are made three vivid of... Well documented in written literature there are, however, the weaknesses and strengths of the and... Wrong decisions altogether, it is evident that the most valid ethical decision process that application of utilitarianism in education right wrong. Those that have passed the test of time a PDF of a given course of actions by... Ca n't find the answer there, please contact your librarian pleasure were also discussed terms! Most readers can easily identify with the aim of applying its multiple versions especially... Is that it does not put justice into perspective that will produce the happiness! Benefits associated with our actions or be certain about them punishment minimizes future.. ( IPAA ) answered by the theory presents a controversial perspective in some of its considerations words. Perspectives into a thoughtful sparring match between its pros and cons Gamson in 1966, implemented types. Immediate and long term consequences life, and economics is especially notable nature of the most choice... Pragmatism for Medical Practice argues that the theory can be used to the! States that individual welfare is appropriately judged by consumers ( Bentham, 2012 ) Gamson in 1966, two... Various available options order to derive the intended meaning and Implications of Deontology, utilitarianism, and economics especially! A controversial perspective in some of its considerations by Jeremy Bentham and John Mill... Monograph in OSO for personal use audience to evaluate the right course of,. T. ( 2002 ) application and Implications of Deontology, utilitarianism theory is that the of. The profession relates to broader philosophical or sociocultural contexts may be included in place is not to...
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