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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 5 page paper examines the doctrine of Utilitarianism as posed by John Stuart Mill, and argues that it is possible, though difficult, to resolve the inherent contradictions in Utilitarianism such that one can describe it as an ethically coherent position. Bibliography lists 10 sources.
Page Count:
5 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_HVUtiEth.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
the greatest good for the greatest number is the correct course of action. This paper discusses whether or not this stance provides a coherent position to take with regard to
ethics. Discussion The first thing we have to do is to define the terms "coherent position" in this context. That is, what coheres with what? Richard De George suggests that
"ethical theory must first cohere with our moral and general experience, knowledge and beliefs ... and that second, the elements of an ethical theory are to cohere with each other"
(De George, 1990, p. 39). The first set of conditions is what De George calls "external coherence" and the second set is "internal coherence" (De George, 1990). If an ethical
theory is to be considered coherent, it "must form a system or whole," "it must be internally consistent" and "its various parts must be interrelated" (De George, 1990, p. 39).
The simplest way to "achieve such coherence is to have one basic or key principle, for instance the principle of utility, that guides, directs and determines the parts and so
guarantees consistency, interconnection and mutual fit" (De George, 1990, p. 39). In the case of John Stuart Mill, it would seem that the "key principle" is "the greatest good for
the greatest number." We can see if that makes sense in regard to a coherent position in ethics, as De George explains it. Lets look at a typical example of
the kind of problem that we run into when an ethical position is not coherent. A common position for "liberals" (whatever that may mean) appears to be support for abortion
and opposition to the death penalty; while "conservatives" support the death penalty and oppose abortion. Neither position is logically consistent: the liberals who support abortion should logically also support the
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