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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
This 7 page paper compares utilitarianism (John Stuart Mill) to other ethical models, but primarily argues its importance through logic. The opinions of James Rachels is examined as well. Many examples are provided. Shirley Jackson's The Lottery is used as an illustration. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Page Count:
7 pages (~225 words per page)
File: RT13_SA535U.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
where there is no logical position in every case. For example, when deriving a categorical imperative, one sometimes stumbles along an impossible situation. Is it always good not to lie?
While Kant would likely support that position, the lying promise scenario crops up. There are arguments on both sides of that issue, as there is where it concerns other philosophical
models. However, although utilitarianism has its critics, the simplicity of the model clearly creates a backdrop from which decisions may be made. When it comes to utilitarianism, the greatest good
is all that matters. Therefore, it is almost an "anything goes" scenario where all the puzzle pieces have to fit. There are no exceptions to the rule. At the same
time, utilitarianism rationally considers the different points of view and chooses the best one. Interestingly, one author compares Kantian ethics with the utilitarian position as it respects the punishment of
torture: " Kantian moral theory may seem better suited to capture the distinct moral considerations posed by the structure of the relationship between torturer and victim. The Kantian argues that
what is essentially wrong with torture is the profound disrespect it shows the humanity or autonomy of its victim. ... The Kantians problem complements that of the utilitarian. The utilitarian
focuses on the badness of the victims agony but cannot readily grasp the significance of the characteristic interpersonal structure of torture" (Sussman, 2005, p.1). In some way, utilitarianism is objective
and unemotional. Sussman (2005) seems to be saying that the utilitarian model is not deep enough to understand the complexity of some issues. However, some critics see such a trait
as a weakness, while others see it as a strength. Before delving further into the support of utilitarianism, it pays to look at the theory. What is utilitarianism exactly? First,
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