Table of Contents

What is utilitarianism?

Deontological Theory

Human Person’s Views

Human Rights and the Contrast

What is utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism or consequentialism is an approach to human behavior that focuses on its consequences. Theorists following utilitarianism hold that people should strive to achieve the highest level of happiness for as many people as possible. Alternatively, the morally correct solution is one that produces the most positive results with the fewest negatives. Calculations are done to determine what is the best result. Utilitarianism requires that all adherents agree to a certain list of rules. The rules are followed in order to improve the long-term happiness of society. Some view these rules as guidelines that are flexible and can be broken, depending on the circumstances.

What is Deontological Theory? Deontological moral systems are based on the obedience of a person to rules and duties. Deontologists think that to make correct moral decisions a person needs to know their duties and the rules that govern them. Following these rules/duties is a way to behave morally. When they fail to comply with their duties, it means that they are being immoral.

Views of Human PersonA Deontologist and an utilitarian have very different perspectives on human beings. The theories that underlie each of these theories are what creates the views. The utilitarian views morality as a function of the outcomes that are associated with a decision. He/she thinks that morality is upheld if the decision brings greater happiness than sorrow.

In a hypothetical, let’s say a suspect captured for a nuclear weapon is tortured to discover the bomb in order to prevent an attack by terrorists. The answer to this question is yes if you view it from the utilitarian viewpoint. Let’s say there are only two possible choices. Torture him to get the location and avoid a massive amount of destruction. You shouldn’t torture a suspect hoping for a new lead. This puts millions of lives in danger. Calculated results show that option one is the best choice for minimizing casualties. According to utilitarians, it may be necessary at times to sacrifice individuals for the greater good.

The Deontologist is the other side. Deontologists are those who believe all human life is equally valuable. Morality for them is respecting a person’s rationality and their ability to dedicate themselves to goals. Deontologists’ rules reinforce this belief. They forbid lying and harming people. This means that if you were to look at the hypothetical situation above (Bomb suspected scenario) through the perspective of a deontologist, the result would be very different from a utilitarian.

Human Rights: ContrastWhen you look at both theories’ fundamentals, we see that each has a different view of human rights. Abortion is a good example of the differences between human rights in both theories. Is it true that abortion is a controversial ethical issue in many theories? Is abortion wrong? It depends on the situation, but I think it is wrong. Let’s look at the case of a woman that left her country after being raped. The woman requested medical treatment in her new home and was shocked to discover that she was expecting. It was this pregnancy that brought her back to the painful memories of her past and ruined her mental health. Will she have the right to an abortion in a new country? This scenario can be viewed in two ways to illustrate the differences between these two theories. First, she’s in a utilitarian social setting. Second, she’s in a moralistic society.

In this case, by comparing the woman’s sad reality to utilitarian human dignity, she is entitled to an abortion. The consequences are greater than those of abortion. If she didn’t get treatment, it is possible she would consider suicide. Two lives could be lost. This would allow her to have an abortion. In a society that values all life equally, the woman would not be allowed to have an abortion. She would be forced to give birth to a child who is not loved and whose life will remind her the pain she has experienced. Both theories differ in their human rights. You can see how the differences in human rights have a huge impact on this woman.