Compare and Contrast Utilitarianism with Christian Ethics

Compare and Contrast Utilitarianism with Christian Ethics The ethical teachings and values of utilitarianism and Christian ethics are similar in some aspects, yet however are diverse in others. Utilitarianism is a generally teleological ethical system, where the outcome is said to justify the act. The act is considered ‘good’ if it brings about the greatest good for the greatest number. Christian Ethics, however, can be quite different. Many aspects of its ethics are deontological, for example, the Decalogue and Natural Law. There are other differences and indeed some similarities which will be considered throughout this essay. Christian ethics has many aspects which do not agree with the fundamental doctrine of Utilitarianism.†¦show more content†¦This however fundamentally goes against Utilitarianism, which states that humans are merely motivated by the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. This is how an action is considered good or bad in the Hedonic Calculus, if it brings pleasure for the most people or works to avoid pain. Furthermore, Christian ethics implies that one will find happiness by modelling themselves on Jesus and adhering to the teachings of the Bible. However, in Utilitarianism it is stated that one will find the most happiness when individuals are free to pursue their own ends. The process of using the Hedonic Calculus aspect of Utilitarianism can also be likened to the Christian ethical principle of using one’s Conscience. For this point, it is important to note that this is not in reference to the specific detail in the Hedonic Calculus, but is about the underlying reason for its use. In the New Testament, Paul advocated that the Conscience should be used when one needs moral guidance, which is linked to the will of God. Even though in Utilitarianism the ‘God’ aspect is not included in terms of justifying an action, the principle of mentally judging a deed is similar. John Stuart Mill developed his own approach to Utilitarianism called ‘Rule Utilitarianism’. There are some similarities with Christian ethics which lie in his doctrine. Firstly, Mill says that there should be general rules which peopleShow MoreRelatedEthics : Virtue Ethics And Ethics1351 Words   |  6 Pagesvirtue ethics and what does it do that the two major ethical approaches do not? Virtue ethics is one of the three major approaches in ethics. This approach of ethics emphasizes the virtues, or moral character, in contrast to other approaches which emphasizes duties or rules. Virtue ethics has three central concepts; virtue, practical wisdom, and eudemonia, however, these are often misunderstood. The three approaches of ethics are virtue ethics, consequentialist ethics, and deontology ethics. EachRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Justices : What Is The Right Thing Essay1540 Words   |  7 PagesIs The Right Thing To Do? Michael J. Sandel searches and explores the meaning of justices, and he invites all the readers to discuss about many controversies that raised in today’s society. Sandel exams major approaches to define justices from utilitarianism, libertarianism to freedom, and he believes that thinking about justices will engage us to think about the best way to live. There are some topics that encourages the readers to think and develop. Although some choices are difficult, we are notRead MoreCompare and Contrast Five Ethical Models Essay3163 Words   |  13 PagesCompare and Contrast Five Ethical Models Ethics and Society, MPA 607 Alexis E. Anthony Belhaven University February 28, 2013 Ethics play an integral and necessary part in our lives. An individual’s course of action is dictated by which ethical model they adhere to. Ethics answers the question, What do I do? It is the study of right and wrong. â€Å"At a more fundamental level, it is the method by which we categorize our values and pursue them. Do we pursue our own happiness, orRead MoreThe Key Differences Between Realists, Morality of State Theorists, and Cosmopolitans1534 Words   |  7 Pagesthe part of our people – yes.† He goes on to say that morality as a criterion for measuring and comparing the behavior of states is flawed. Morality is a preference, not a requirement to govern in the international anarchic system, Kennan argues. Ethics and justice in the international system are measured by how states satisfy varying moral requirements. These moral requirements are defined by a variety of schools of thought, including: Realists, Morality of States theorists, and Cosmopolitan s. RealistsRead MoreThe Six Stages Of Kohlberg s Moral Development2377 Words   |  10 Pagesculture? Kohlberg’s model provides us with a deeper understanding of ethics to consider for managers and shows us it is the managers that convey to employees the moral and ethical rules of the organization. It is important for managers to maintain ethical standards in the workplace by creating an environment that encourages positive/good behavior and disciplines wrong behavior. This can be accomplished by creating a code of ethics and values for the organization and employees to follow. If a managerRead MoreEthical Views Of Kant And Nielsen3041 Words   |  13 PagesThe purpose of the paper is to compare ethical views of Kant and Nielsen. Both figures are quite noticeable in philosophy of ethics. The works of Kant stand out among the philosophical treatises on ethics. Kant’s ethics in many ways was the pinnacle of moral philosophy of modern times. Nielsen considered that philosophy is related to practical matters. Philosophy thinking includes abstract theorizing and practica l action. Nielsen claims that morality cannot be grounded on religion, and that thereRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Debate Over The Free Speech Clause And Antidiscrimination Law1786 Words   |  8 Pagessocial responsibility theories. â€Å"Duty-based ethical standards often are derived from revealed truths, such as religious precepts. They can also be derived through philosophical reasoning. (Miller, 2013)† Duty-based ethics basically based on religious ethical standards, Kantian ethics and the principle of rights. For religious ethical standards, different religions have their own rules for moral action and their adherents follow those rules. Also, the free exercise of religion is guaranteed by theRead MoreTruth Telling Violations Essay2101 Words   |  9 PagesTruth Telling Violations The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the truth telling violations presented in the Abraham and Rehab Bible stories. Both stories are indicative of deception that demonstrate how if people are placed in a position of uncertainty can lose their faith in performing a moral obligation which is telling the truth regardless of the situation. Extreme circumstances can hinder the decision making process and can lead to deception. The ideology of truthRead MoreBusiness Ethics9512 Words   |  39 PagesBUSINESS ETHICS LEARNING PORTFOLIO 2011 This learning portfolio is a summary of my learning journey of Business ethics in last four months. It is a formal academic document prepared with diverse events that I have learned from all the resources in and around me. By writing and presenting this portfolio, I have achieved the unit outcomes of Business Ethics 657. Deepak Kuriacose Student ID: 14211825 Unit Coordinator: Dr .David Pick 23/05/2011 BUSINESS ETHICS: Portfolio NavigationRead MoreHerbert Spencer Essay13142 Words   |  53 Pagesdo live, and it is well they should live. If they are not sufficiently complete to live, they die, and it is best they should die. Spencer systematically tried to establish the basis of a scientific study of education, psychology, sociology, and ethics from an evolutionary point of view. Although many of his specific ideas are no longer fashionable, Spencer went a long way in helping to establish the separate existence of sociology as a social science. His idea of evolutionary progress, from the