Running Head: DISCUSSION COUSEWORK – CUSTOM ESSAY 1

DISCUSSION COUSEWORK – CUSTOM ESSAY

Utilitarianism versus Kantianism Case Study

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DISCUSSION COUSEWORK – CUSTOM ESSAY 2

DISCUSSION COUSEWORK – CUSTOM ESSAY

Utilitarianism versus Kantianism Case Study

The basic principle of Utilitarianism is producing the greatest good for the greatest number. In

this case, if the sheriff was a utilitarian, he would argue that framing the innocent man would

most likely promote greater happiness with “less” pain. Even more, this would prevent possible

destruction and death, a consequence of possible riot. In fact, this action justifies the assertion by

Bennett (2022) that utilitarianism is a teleological moral theory that focuses on the quantitative

pleasure. Therefore, from a utilitarian viewpoint, lying for the sake of the majority good would

suffice. Actually, the most important thought for a utilitarian in this case would be that it is less

harmful to prosecute one innocent man than to witness the destruction of many. The idea has no

moral squeamishness.

In contrast, a Kantian viewpoint will definitely disagree. Kantians are guided by the principle of

pure reason. This is irrespective of the consequences. O’Neil (2019) explains that Kantianism is

a deontological theory that holds a decision as morally good if it is done right. The end does not

justify the means. Even more, in this case, a Kantian would argue that human life is valuable as

humans are the bearers of rational life. A Kantian would label this as a serious injustice and a

very simplistic thinking that only focuses on one side that ignores the essence of human life.

Furthermore, killing, framing and wrong imprisonment is unjustifiable and an intrinsically wrong

action from a Kantian viewpoint. This should not be pursued regardless of the circumstances.
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Reference

Bennett, C. (2022). “Utilitarianism.” What is this thing called ethics?. London: Routledge

O’Neill, O (2019). “A Simplified Account of Kant’s Ethics.” 411-415. Blackboard. Retrieved

from: https://laurenralpert.files.wordpress.com/2014/08/oneill-a-simplified-account-of-
kants-ethics.pdf (Accessed August 12th 2023)