![]() He continues to inspire – seated in a glass box at the entry to University College in London. In sum, the ethical choice is that which yields the greatest good or happiness for the greatest number.Įxplore the teachings of this British philosopher, radical, and social reformer:īy the way, Bentham took his own advice. He then identified the Principle of Utility or the Greatest Happiness Principle as the moral guideline for living: approve or disapprove of an action according to its tendency to augment or diminish happiness. He was a lawyer (who avoided the courtroom), an inventor of items (central heating systems and refrigeration units) and words (dynamic, exhaustive, and 'catastatico-chrestic physiurgics'), and author ( Auto-Icon: Or, Farther Uses of the Dead to the Living, which suggested the preserved bodies of the famous might serve as excellent lawn ornaments).īentham's philosophy of ethics began with his observation that people act out of self interest. Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) was the Godfather of Utilitarianism. See for yourself and be thankful for their efforts. Utilitarianism is a species of Consequentialism, which is the ethical doctrine that one should judge actions by the outcomes that can reasonably be expected to follow, and not by the actors’ intention or by fidelity to an abstract moral principle. Fortunately, other philosophers have deciphered and better explained Kant's theory of the ethical life. He remains a premier influence on contemporary ethical studies. ![]() ![]() Moreover, Kant believed one should not be swayed by the consequences of a decision an action is deemed ethical if it arises from one's motive to act out of duty.Īlthough Kant never ventured far from his village, his writings travelled globally. Indeed, Kant's major work detailing his formulation of moral law is entitled, Critique of Practical Reason (1788). To the contrary, and perhaps mirroring his legendary rigid lifestyle, Kant looked to absolute duties that should be consistently and universally applied. It follows that a method for measuring pleasure is required. He was a homebody (living and dying in his village), precise (legend has it the village housewives could set their clocks by his afternoon walks), and an academic at his alma mater, the University of Königsberg.Ī key premise of his philosophy of ethics was that "the right thing to do" could not be determined by emotions: one could not "feel" the way to an ethical decision. The principle of utility holds that the greatest pleasure is the goal of ethical action. Immanuel Kant was an 18th Century Prussian philosopher.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |