Difference Between Utilitarianism and Deontology
Utilitarianism vs Deontology
Morality has it tha people will justify or not the end and the means. Not only that it directs individuals to do what is right or wrong; moreover, it makes them do what is in the best of their conscience.
There are several schools of thought regarding morality. Among these are the ethical systems of utilitarianism and deontology.
Utilitarianism revolves around the concept of “the end justifies the means.” It is the brainchild of philosophers John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham. It believes that outcomes as a result of an action have a greater value compared to the latter. It also states that the most ethical thing to do is to take advantage of happiness for the good of the society. As a result, utilitarianism depends on consequentiality. The utilitarian approach can be present in health care. Examples of these may include: Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders and Euthanasia. Although confronted heavily by critics, the philosophical outlook on these cases is purely reliant on its recipients. The utilitarian approach can also be selfish in nature as it gears on judgments more ideal to the philosopher.
Meanwhile, deontology is another moral theory that is dependent on the Scriptures—which may refer to rules, moral laws, and intuition. It is based on the Greek words “deon” and “logos,” meaning the “study of duty.” It centers on the principles of 18th century philosopher Immanuel Kant. Deontology advocates that both the actions and outcomes must be ethical. It points out that the action’s morality is of greater weight, and the result of a wrong action does not make its outcome the same. One particular example is the birthing process wherein the mother and the baby are at equal risk. The doctors know that saving at least one of the two is better, yet trying to save them both would be best. Deontology sports a fair trial of right or wrong as it depends on a universally accepted morality approach. It also makes the philosopher study both sides of a situation without compromising the outcomes.
SUMMARY:
1.Utilitarianism and deontology are two known ethical systems.
2.Utilitarianism revolves around the concept of “the end justifies the means,” while deontology works on the concept “the end does not justify the means.”
3.Utilitarianism is considered a consequence-oriented philosophy.
- Difference Between Poisonous and Venomous - March 4, 2012
- Difference Between Levitra and Viagra - March 4, 2012
- Difference Between Endocytosis and Phagocytosis - March 3, 2012
Search DifferenceBetween.net :
Email This Post
: If you like this article or our site. Please spread the word. Share it with your friends/family.
You are very wrong about the concept of deontology. Deontology is not based off of outcomes or results but rather the moral obligation and duty of the action.
You states that “outcomes must be ethical”. That is wrong. Outcomes do not have to ethical; in fact, deontologist do even worry about the outcomes because if they do then they become consequentualist.
Also, utilitarianism is not a branch of ethics. It branches off of consequentualism. Consequentualism and deontology are the two major branches of ethical conduct.
Furthermore, your examples of deontology and utilitarianism are terrible. How are DNRs and euthanasia example of utilitarianism? How are the results of DNRs and euthanasia(the death of patients) for the greater good of all? Usually, the purpose of utilitarianism is to prevent deaths and negative outcomes. Also, the example you used for deontology is misleading. You state that during childbirth, a doctor that follows deontology would attempt to save both the mother and child due to his belief that an action is right if it is morally ethical and the consequence of the result will not affect the decision. Now, what if the doctor was an utilitarianist? He would then have to make a decision that would result in the best outcome. What would that outcome have to be? It would mean that he would have to save as many lives as he can, similar to the concept of deontology; thus, your example for deontology does not differentiate it from utilitarianism.
All I have to say is you need to get your facts straight before you go out and tell people what you think you know.
Hi Steve,
i need your help,
A man with mental health problems with many pets living with disable friend who could not cope with care.
What would be the the ethical position of Utilitariansm and deontology.if you are a support worker.
your response would be helpful Thanks
No need to be a jerk about it. I agree that a person should be more well-informed before explaining a topic, but still. Also, I find your criticism about utilitarianism not being a branch of ethics to be a bit trivial. It is still a branch per se, just a sub branch that, as you said, falls under consequentialism.
Plz tell me different between deontology and utilitarianism
Thank u so much Steve, I am studying for my trials in Bcom Marketing and if I haven’t read your comment I would have written the same examples and discussions about the two theories in the test and failed, obviously.
Steve is very right, Deontology has never worked with consequences unlike utilitarianism.