Submitted by:

Muhammad Ahmad Naeem

MEEN201101007
Professional Ethics
Assignment 1
Submitted to:
Engr. Syed M. Hammad

Department of Mechanical Engineering

KFUEIT
Explain the term in your word “the greatest good for the greatest number.”
which is the idea of Utilitarian thinking. Also explain the three prominent ways
to handle it.
"The greatest good for the greatest number" is a utilitarian principle that suggests
that the best course of action is that which maximizes the total happiness, well-
being, or utility of the greatest number of people affected by a decision or action.
This means that actions or decisions should be evaluated based on their ability to
benefit as many people as possible, not just a few individuals.
There are three main ways to approach this principle:
Act Utilitarianism: This approach focuses on evaluating the moral worth of
individual actions based on their ability to produce the greatest benefits for the
greatest number of people. This means that each decision is evaluated based on
potential outcomes and the decision that results in the greatest benefit is chosen.
Action utilitarianism is a normative ethical theory that evaluates the morality of an
action based on the amount of overall happiness or pleasure it produces for
everyone affected. This theory has the opinion that the rightness or wrongness of
an action depends only on its consequences, not on its moral principles.
According to utilitarianism, an action is morally right if it produces the greatest
happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of people. On the contrary, an action
is morally wrong if it causes more pain or suffering than pleasure or happiness for
those affected.
Legal utilitarianism differs from other forms of utilitarianism, such as
utilitarianism, which argues that moral rules should be followed because they
generally lead to the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
One criticism of action utilitarianism is that it can lead to problematic or unjust
outcomes if the happiness of the majority takes precedence over the happiness of a
minority group or individual. In addition, it can be difficult to determine which
course of action will lead to the greatest overall happiness, and the consequences
of the course of action can be difficult to predict.
Rule Utilitarianism: This approach emphasizes the importance of following
general rules or principles designed to promote the general happiness or well-being
of society. This means that moral decisions are made based on established rules or
guidelines designed to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
Standard utilitarianism is a normative ethical theory that assesses the morality of
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actions based on the consequences of following certain moral rules or principles.
Unlike act utilitarianism, which values each act individually, utilitarianism focuses
on the morality of rules that, when followed consistently, produce the greatest
amount of happiness or pleasure.
According to normative utilitarianism, certain moral norms or principles can be
established that, if followed consistently, will result in general happiness or
enjoyment for society. These rules are not based on truth or moral principles, but
on the benefits of the consequences of following them.
For example, a utilitarian can argue that stealing is morally wrong because if
everyone steals, it will lead to an overall decrease in happiness or pleasure because
people will no longer feel safe and secure in their possessions. Therefore,
following the rule of "thief" brings greater joy or happiness than breaking the rule.
One criticism of rule utilitarianism is that it can be difficult to determine which
rule will produce the greatest general happiness or pleasure, and whether these
rules should be applied universally or situationally. Furthermore, rule utilitarianism
cannot take into account special circumstances or unique needs and desires of
certain individuals or groups.
Preference Utilitarianism: This approach focuses on promoting the satisfaction of
individual wants or needs instead of general happiness or well-being. This means
that moral decisions are made on the basis of satisfying individual needs in order to
promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people. According to ideal
utilitarianism, individuals have different desires or desires, and it is impossible to
measure or compare the desires of one person with the desires of others. Therefore,
the goal is not to maximize everyone's happiness or pleasure, but to satisfy as many
as they want.
Optimal utilitarianism differs from other forms of utilitarianism in that it
emphasizes autonomy and the fulfillment of individual desires through the
maximization of happiness or pleasure.
One of the most common criticisms of utilitarianism is that it is difficult to
determine which preferences should be satisfied when preferences conflict or when
individuals are incompatible. Furthermore, this theory fails to account for the
harms or negative consequences that may arise from satisfying certain desires or
needs.

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Each of these approaches to productive thinking has its own strengths and
weaknesses, and can be used in different situations depending on the particular
context and values. However, they all share the goal of promoting the greatest
good of the greatest number of people and can provide a useful basis for making
ethical decisions that benefit society as a whole.
Also write a note on treatment of utilitarian thinking, we consider three
approaches to respect for persons thinking.
Utilitarianism, which aims to promote general happiness or pleasure, can
sometimes conflict with respect for thinking people, which emphasizes the dignity
and value of the individual. To overcome this potential contradiction, three
approaches to valuing utilitarian thinking can be considered:
Deontological Approach: This approach emphasizes the importance of respecting
individuals as autonomous agents with their own rights and interests, regardless of
the consequences of their actions. In other words, the rightness or wrongness of an
action is determined by adherence to certain moral norms or principles, not by the
consequences of all actions.
Virtue Ethics Approach: this approach emphasizes the importance of developing
and practicing virtues such as love and empathy in order to develop a moral
character that prioritizes the well-being of others. Rather than focusing only on the
consequences of actions, this approach emphasizes the importance of developing
moral character that leads to ethical actions.
Care Ethics Approach: This approach emphasizes the importance of caring for
others as the center of personal relationships and moral decision-making. In other
words, individuals have a moral obligation to care and concern for the well-being
of others rather than to maximize the general happiness or pleasure.
Each of these approaches to respect for reason offers a different perspective on
how to reconcile the conflicting priorities of utilitarianism and respect for reason.
By considering these different approaches, people can better resolve moral
dilemmas and make decisions that prioritize public safety and respect individual
dignity and worth.

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