Utilitarianism College Essays Samples For Students

Introduction
Utilitarianism is a principle that the moral worth of an action is determined by its usefulness in maximizing utility and minimizing negative utility. Utility is the pleasure, preference satisfaction and knowledge. The moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome. In this study we are going to compare Mill, John Stuart’s work 'Utilitarianism’ and Kant, Immanuel’s work 'Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals.' The study will also come up with findings based on the comparisons if the end justifies the means.
John Mill’s account on Utilitarianism is primarily influenced by Jeremy Bentham Continue reading...

Power quality involving voltage occurs in two main ways. These include under voltage and overvoltage. Under voltage occurs when the power in transmission falls below 90% of the total power transmitted for a period of more than one minute. When the power is totally out, the situation is described as a blackout. When the power is fully present, it is simply said to be full power. There is a transition between full power and blackout that is described as brownout. Brownout is identified by dimming of lights, blackout by no lights at all, and full power by all domestic Continue reading...

A Consequentialist is someone who believes that an action is only wrong or right depending on the nature of outcomes of the action. When consequences of the action are morally acceptable to the society, it means that the action is right thus; a person committing the action is has upright morals. On the contrary, an action is wrong when the consequences are ethically negative, and the person responsible for the action is deemed wrong. For instance, the case a driver preferring to kill one person crossing a road to save lives of many passengers on board could be argued Continue reading...

Utilitarianism as defined by John Mill is a theory that is based on the principles that stipulate,“One’s actions are correct in proportion to their tendency of promoting happiness and wrong if they tend to result into sadness.” According to John Stuart Mill,happiness is the lack of pain and a state of pleasure. He claims that pleasure can vary in quantity and quality. He adds that the pleasures that are implanted in someone’s upper faculties should be treated with increased weight than the lower pleasures. Mill says that people’s accomplishment of ends and goals, for Continue reading...

The ancestor of classical German philosophy Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) during the early period of the activity dealt with issues of natural sciences much and made the hypothesis of the origin and developments of the solar system.
This philosophical system is the compromise between materialism and idealism. Materialistic tendencies in Kant's philosophy affect that he recognizes the existence of objective reality, things out of us. Kant teaches that there are the "transcendental objects" which are not depending on the learning subject. If Kant consistently carried out this look, it would come to materialism. But in contradiction with this materialistic view, Continue reading...

Statistical significance refers to a statistic being reliable; it does not mean that the data gathered would certainly have any decision making utility. It allows the researcher to compute the level of strength of the relationship between two or more variables. For instance, the extent of the significance of a relationship can be evaluated using statistical significance analysis. The statistical tests help provide the “p-value” that represents the probability of a random chance to explain the findings. In most cases, values less than 5% are considered to be statistically significant.
The concept of statistical significance can be understood using Continue reading...

While it is true that Mills recognizes the need to uphold an individual’s rights and privileges, he supports the need to impose capital punishment for capital offenders. His argument is based on the principle of utility, which is aligned with Benthamite’s principle of frugality, and exemplarity. Mills further notes that the punishment should emphasize on its core role; that of deterring crime; hence, it should not be imposed in a severe manner that disregards its intended purpose. In arguing for capital punishment, Mills concurs that murder remains to be of the greatest crimes recognized by the law. Continue reading...

In his speech; in favor of capital punishment, Mill argues in favor of the death penalty for worst murderers on the basis of Benthamite’s principle of exemplarity and frugality. As Mills states, punishment as an intrinsic form of mischief should not be excessively severe than is required to attain its anticipated effect; that of deterring crime. Although Mills recognizes the needs to uphold one’s rights, he explicitly advocates for the preservation of capital punishment in cases of aggravated murder. Mill states that whenever the greatest crime as a recognized law; murder, and when the culprit’ position suggests Continue reading...

What is utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism, also referred to as the greatest happiness principle, is defined as the principle that human beings should base their actions depending on the consequences of those actions. The consequence-oriented variety theory claims that people should perform acts that make them happier, or make them less unhappy. People at different ages have varying rules. The weight of every action is determined by the nature of consequence and the mounting pressure it impacts to the society. Utilitarianism falls under two categories, the classic utilitarianism and the rule utilitarianism. The classic utilitarianism defines a right act as the one that maximizes Continue reading...

What Is Utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism is the direction in ethics (ethical theory), according to which the moral value of an act is determined behavior or its usefulness. Utilitarianism is a new term introduced in general use; Mill should be considered a chief representative of the direction, denoted by the term Utilitarianism. Mill had predecessors mainly in Russian philosophical literature. If some historians consider it possible to talk about utilitarianism in antiquity, this is explained by mixing two concepts: utilitarianism and eudemonism, i.e., theories built on the concepts of use and enjoyment. The culprit of this confusion is the same Mill, who wished, in Continue reading...

Single-case research design refers to the type of research design used in used in sociology, human behavior, education and psychology in which the subject of research serves as his/her own control. It does not use another individual or group to act as a control. Single-case research design is quite important and can help in finding out more information about the progress of individuals under study. For instance, when used during counseling therapy, the information received from it can be used in tracking and understanding the progress of the client. Meaning, the performance of the counseling process can be easily Continue reading...

The provision of care to clientele (i.e., patient, family, community) entails a holistic approach. This approach includes measures geared towards giving significance to all factors directly or indirectly affecting the clientele’s well being. The application of holistic care means application of nursing measures in all levels of health promotion (i.e., prevention, cure, rehabilitation) that are aimed towards promoting and/ or preserving an individual’s physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual well-being (Hubbert, 2008). Albeit all significant in nature, these factors are usually not all taken into consideration in the application of nursing measures. More often than not, the Continue reading...

How Mill Apply the Principle of Utility to the Issue of Capital Punishment

In his parliamentary speech in, 1868, Mill argues in favour of capital punishment retention. In support of capital punishment, Mill argues that a punishment being an essential malice, it should be accomplished in a more severe way that it ought to be in order for the punishing party to attain the anticipated effect to the murderer. He further accentuates that, the desired effect of punishment can best be achieved economic wise if the suffering is inflicted more severe that it ought to be. Based on his perceptions, execution is less cruel when compared to life imprisonment where one will Continue reading...

Introduction

Utilitarian ethical theory defines morality as the maximization of expectable utility for parties likely to be affected by an action or a decision. Furthermore, various aspects of utilitarianism have historically been under development and debate, this modern theory, however, is most attributed to John Stuart. He developed this theory from a Hedonistic version that had been prevailed upon by his mentor Jeremy Bentham. Its basic principle is that actions are good to the extent that they promote the greatest good for majority of the population. It matters not whether at a reasonable man’s point of view, the actions Continue reading...

The sociological viewpoint of the social problems arises from the concept of sociological imagination (Mills, 1959). The sociological perspective is that the social problems originate from the societal aspects. It includes both the personal as well as the public problems. The personal problems or issues affect the individuals and other members of the society due to own moral and personal failings of individual. Examples of personal problems include unemployment and divorce etc. The public problems indicate those problems that lie in the society’s culture and social structures and affect several people. So, the sociologists have used the term Continue reading...

Professionals who work closely with people sometimes have the possibility of improving or enhancing their chances of succeeding in their professional endeavors by reaching out and getting close to the people they meet. Mental health workers, educators, health professionals, social workers, police officers and professionals in the child care field exemplify this role. Empathy and sometimes deliberate rational strategy lead them to reach out and provide support to families, children, adolescents and other (vulnerable) individuals in uncomfortable, threatening, harmful or distressing situations and circumstances. However, there are repercussions to reaching out and these professionals need to be careful not Continue reading...

Introduction

This study will define some of the terms such as Rationalism Empiricism and principle of utility states. It will further discuss some of the hypotheses by the philosophers such as Nietzsche and Sartre.
Rationalism is being defined in philosophy as, the analysis that regards reasons as the primary source and the knowledge analysis. Empiricism is a theory that all the knowledge of matters of facts comes from sensory experience (Locke, 1998).The principle of utility states that, both actions and behavior are correct as long as they uphold happiness and pleasure. On the other hand, actions and behaviors are Continue reading...

Introduction

Morality deals with distinguishing the difference between right and wrong. It dictates the actions and behavior of people; what they should do, and what they should not do. However, because of the diversity of the human conditions and cultures all over the world, there are many ways to perceive morality. These various ways are manifested in different moral theories. One of them is utilitarianism. This is the moral theory that we will be focusing on. The questions that this paper will now try to answer are: what is utilitarianism and is it a valid moral theory?
In order to Continue reading...

Section I: Matching (Maximum 20 points)

This section consists of ten (10) matching questions worth two (2) points each. Match the moral theories in the shaded box below with the ten numbered descriptions set forth below the shaded box. Choose the moral theory that corresponds best to each numbered question and write the letter that corresponds to the appropriate moral theory in the space provided below.
[Hint: Some questions may have more than one moral theory that is applicable to it. In such a case, simply choose one applicable theory and write its corresponding letter on the space provided. Only one correct response is required Continue reading...

Philosophy

Happiness is a state of positive mind reflecting hope, peacefulness, as well as pleasantness about one self and the immediate environment. Happiness is more internal and is not impacted by any kind of material possession or financial well-being. May be, in certain cases, financial well-being and material possessions could possibly help achieving happiness, but the same may not be the true source of happiness. Happiness is essentially the frame of mind characterized by contentment and even intense joy. Many religious and philosophical approaches have defined happiness variedly and try to pinpoint its source. Happiness is relative and can be Continue reading...

Introduction

Utility programs have had a significance role to play in operating systems. Most operating systems, especially windows operating systems have utility programs that are used in the management and enhancement of the operating system. It is in the quest to optimize the performance of the operating system. Most utility programs are there to enhance the speed and protect the operating system from damage. For operating systems to operate in an optimal manner, they have to be protected and enhanced with utility programs. After some time, the speed of operating system and the overall performance does not match the current Continue reading...

Prevalently, rights connote to the legal, ethical, or even the social principles of entitlement or freedom. Specifically, the right is a fundamental rule on what is permitted of people or even owed to the alleged people, with regards to the provided legal systems, ethical theory, and social convention. Most importantly, the growth and subsequent development of any state significantly relies on how the rights of consumers get accorded. Subsequently, the traditional buyer’s rights got enacted to assist in effectively protecting the consumers. Illustratively, the rights included; the right not to purchase a product that gets offered for sale, Continue reading...

Diminishing Marginal Utility is whereby the marginal utility that a person derives from a product declines steadily as he increases consumption level by consuming additional unit of the same product, while keeping consumption of other related products constant. For instance, when one takes that first bite of a cake, it seems like he just cannot get enough of the same. However, as he takes his second piece as well as his third piece, he may begin to realize that he has had enough the cake. Applying the same concept, for each additional piece of cake he consumes, the additional Continue reading...

There are numerous examples where microeconomics is applicable to us in our everyday life. This paper will focus on some of the examples I encountered while I was a teen ager and also how these concepts have helped me to analyze every situation from an economist perspective.
Starting off with a simple example, as teenager I always loved McDonalds and would spend a lot of money buying shakes, burgers from an outlet. At that time I had no idea about the concept of utility which is a fundamental concept in microeconomics. Every time I consumed a burger I really Continue reading...

Introduction

Airline companies charge different prices for different classes of passengers. A passenger who wishes to have higher quality services during the flight must pay a higher price for their tickets than those who travel in a different class. The airlines differentiate the prices of customers by having different features in the categories. However, there are other instances when the customers’ ability to travel in the business class is limited by their level of income. Pricing is one of the strategies used in maximizing revenues for the airline companies. The companies, therefore, must take into account the factors that affect Continue reading...

Is it wrong for Advertisers to Target Children?

The debate on advertisements targeting children has raged on for some time. Companies use advertisements to make the public aware of their products in the market. The type of advert aired may have both positive and negative influence on the child. Nowadays, many children get exposed to a variety of advertisements on the different media like radio, television, the internet, and the print media as well. As a matter of fact, advertisements are available for people of all ages. However, the children have become more susceptible and in most instances, the advertisers targeting children customize their messages to influence Continue reading...

Increasing Taxes on Cigarettes:

Increasing Taxes on Cigarettes
In this paperwork, I am going to respond to the following question- will increasing taxes on cigarettes reduce smoking in the U.S.
Through a literature review, it is depicted that an increase in taxes on cigarettes will definitely reduce smoking in the U.S. Smoking occurrence is claimed to reduce from 20% in 2004 to 15% in 2025. It is important to note that the cost of a packet of cigarette will have to go up, as a result of the implementation of this policy-increasing tax on cigarettes. Low income smokers, especially the teenagers, will not Continue reading...

In this paperwork, I am going to respond to the following questions-the problem of change and how Aristotle come up with a solution, the differences between Aristotle’s conception of cause ad the modern one, the final causes according to Aristotle, the virtus dormitiva objection, and the reason why Epicurus think it does not matter to us when we die.

I am now going to state the differences between Aristotle’s conception of cause and the modern one.
Competent causation, whereby, he argues that causation has to be a relation among events, since the modern one argues that things Continue reading...

Introduction

Maintaining balance of nature is critical for human survival in the long run. But, whether this balance is taken into consideration while formulating policies or not is a moot topic of debate. The paper aims at understanding animal rights and its consideration in determining environmental policies.
Animals do have right to exist, broadly for two reasons. First, the universe is as much theirs as of humans. Second, they are indispensable in maintaining equilibrium of the ecosystem. A symbiotic interdependence exists between different species in an ecosystem. Any change in its composition can create dis-balance and affect other species of Continue reading...

Introduction: Ethics is a philosophical approach that is concerned with defending, systematizing and recommending concepts of wrong or right conduct in the human social arena. The approach addresses disputes that arise from moral diversity. Being an ethical person involves doing and conducting oneself in an acceptable manner according to societal behavioral standards. Various ethical theories have been put across and are applied in our lives to address various ethical issues like cloning, abortion, legalization of drugs and euthanasia. The theories include emotivism, utilitarianism, moral rationalism and eudaemonistic virtue ethics. This paper will discuss the ethical theory of utilitarianism and Continue reading...

The principle of utility is also the greatest happiness principle. This principle justifies actions in reference to their ability to result in happiness. A right action results in happiness. A wrong action on the other hand results in sadness. Happiness in this context is a feeling of pleasure. It also means the absence of pain in an individual. Sadness on the hand results in unhappiness, pain, and lack of pleasure in an individual. This principle describes what is right and wrong in reference to the actions of an individual. The principle explains that right actions result in happiness among Continue reading...

This is my position regarding the chapter 9 Are there absolute moral rules? in the book ‘The Elements of Moral Philosophy’. It has an elaborate discussion on absolute moral values analyzing the situations from World War II period. Harry Truman justified his decision to drop atom bombs in Japan, telling that he thought that would end the war. Elizabeth Anscombe, one of the greatest woman philosophers and non-consequentialist, mentioned that Truman should be regarded as a murderer, arguing the point some things may not be done no matter what. Immanuel Kant, another non-consequentialist, brings forth hypothetical and categorical imperatives, Continue reading...

Two different moral philosophies, utilitarianism and Kant’s categorical imperative are utilized for analyzing whether J.’s action of embezzling her employer was correct, even if the end was to provide a better private tuition for her son.
The utilitarianism philosophy is based on the principle of doing the greatest good for the biggest amount of individuals, while being free from pain and engaging in pleasure (Mill 220). However, the utilitarianism ethics provides that there should be clearly specified between simple, animal pleasures, and elevated pleasures, of which individuals with high intellectual capacities are capable. In this sense, Mill ( Continue reading...

Introduction

Price elasticity of demand is applied in determining pricing decisions. The nature and value of price elasticity determine a firm's profit maximising strategy; increasing or reducing price. The nature of particular markets makes principal-agent problem an inherent feature and companies must design appropriate measures to deal with the problem. Markets can be categorised into four depending on the number of firms, behaviour of the firms, among other factors. This paper explains the concept of price elasticity of demand, principal-agent problem and market structures. In addition, it explores how these features are reflected in the market for natural gas in Continue reading...

- In this week's reading, the authors make a claim that public administration, at the level of service providers, is teleological. Explain why it can be argued that public administrators use a teleological approach. Do you agree or disagree?
According to the teleological approach, an action is considered ethical on the basis of the consequences of the action, long term effects of the action and if the action promotes the greatest happiness to others . The public administrators can be thought to use a teleological approach in their actions as their decisions are usually made on the basis of the Continue reading...

The subject of ethics is definitely wide, with various interests and resulting to impetuses that are inclined to spread their occurrences. Situations that often lead to arising of immoral actions are numerous, and it is in the light of this that considerations have to be made depending on the exact situation. Nonetheless, the principles of ethics in practice often seem related to each other in one way or the other as portrayed by theorists such as Aristotle, Kant and Bentham. Thus; this essay presents an occurrence I underwent that present an ethical dilemma, with the succeeding viewpoints.
After being Continue reading...

Part I

- B (Sum of all costs except the lost salary, lost interest) = $30,000+$500+$6000+1200+$1300
- E (implicit costs are indirect payments that includes tips)
- B (Total Utility2-Total Utility1- 50-30)
- C (Sum the total utility from consuming the bundle = 180+50+40 = 270 utils. Note that E provides the highest utility but the bundle costs more than $6
- D (low price elasticity means relatively low reduction in demand in response to price/tax increments
- The diagram in the question is unclear. Please use this diagram to answer the three questions
- Use diagram
Continue reading...

Art has come a long way from its original meaning. It was first known as ars in Latin meaning,”skill, method, technique, conduct, character.”1 from then on it travelled to old France to Middle English to what is now “art”. In dictionaries, it has been defined as,
The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.2 (Oxford)
Tolstoy, on the other hand describes it as one of the means of intercourse between man and man. Continue reading...

Virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics are branches of normative ethics which are concerned with identifying whether people’s actions are right or wrong. The three theories are similar as they all aim to classify people as ethical or unethical but propose different ways for this classification. Virtue theory judges based on character and not action; Utilitarianism judges based on consequences of actions; and Deontology judges based on adherence to duties while performing actions (Rainbow, 2002).
According to virtue theory, a person has virtues based on which he would be considered moral or amoral. If a person is moral Continue reading...

Utilitarianism strives to acquire an alternative/answer to the question, “what should a man do?” it mainly guides an individual to act according to the best scenario which will bring a positive outcome. In this scenario, faced with a double dilemma, my actions would be justifiable. According to this theory, an action is right if the end results lead to happiness. In this case my actions led to the general good of everyone despite the unscrupulous means to achieve the desired end. It differs from ordinary ethical theories in that the wrongness or rightness of an act depends solely on Continue reading...