Deontology and Utilitarianism

Comparative Analysis

There are spatial requirements for what constitutes ethical behavior in humans.
The first criterion is that ethical action is anything that is admirable in the eyes of others.
The second is what is done of one's own free will; it is not compelled. There are good
morals and bad morals. Everything we do that requires a choice is based on our morals.

Deontology is a theory that suggests actions are good or bad according to a clear
set of rules. Imperfect responsibilities do allow for some wiggle room. “Learn about the
world around you” are an imperfect duty because we can all devote different amounts
of Utilitarianism doesn't care if a course of action delivers maximum advantages for
everyone as long as the gains are obtained by deception, manipulation, or
compulsion.duties is up to us. Obeying the rules for self-interest, because it will lead to
better consequences or even because it makes us happy is not, for deontologists, an
ethical reason for acting. We should be motivated by our respect for the moral law
itself.

Deontology's popularity stems from its uniformity. The theory is easily applied
to most practical situations by applying ethical duties to all people in all situations. By
refocusing on a person’s intentions, it also places ethics entirely within our control – we
cannot often control or predict the outcomes of our actions, but we are in complete
control of our intentions. The intention to act in accordance with our duties, deontology
believes the consequences of our actions have no ethical relevance at all.

Utilitarianism is a moral principle that holds that the morally right course of
action in any situation is the one that produces the greatest balance of benefits over
harms for everyone affected. Utilitarianism does not care if a course of action delivers
maximum advantages for everyone if the gains are obtained by deception,
manipulation, or compulsion. This form of moral reasoning is used by many of us in
our daily decisions. When asked why we believe we have a moral obligation to do
something, we frequently appeal to the good that will result from the action or the
damage that it would avert.
Utilitarianism provides a reasonably clear way for determining the ethically
appropriate path of conduct in each given circumstances. It necessitates assigning
values to the advantages and damages caused by our acts and comparing them to the
advantages and damages caused by other activities. However, measuring and
comparing the values of advantages and costs is sometimes difficult, if not impossible.
If we are to make moral judgments that are based on concerns of justice, utilitarianism
cannot appear to be the primary guiding principle. It can, however, influence these
choices. The utilitarian concept encourages us to evaluate both the immediate and
indirect repercussions of our actions. Utilitarianism requires us to go beyond self-
interest and examine impartially the interests of all individuals affected by our activities
since it insists on summing the advantages and harms of all individuals.

The question is not whether a behavior is a moral one; all behavior is. The
relevant question is, what are the morals of the person or the society adopting those
behaviors. Morality is acting in accordance with one’s beliefs. No objectively moral
behavior exists. Personally, if it respectful, courteous, and helpful to others it is good
moral behavior. If it is self-centered, at cost to others or hurts others it is a moral
behavior.