Most people are utilitarian by nature and are designed as practical individuals who prefer to be useful in varied situations. The consequentialism theory, also known as the utilitarianism theory, argues that people are designed to choose right over wrong. They make these decisions based on the consequences that are expected from various decisions. According to Mackay, the same question can have several right answers. A person takes a certain action based on how right they feel that decision is for them even though this decision might seem wrong in the eyes of the society. Factors at play, especially our own emotions, cause us to abide by a principle, ignore it or twist it to our needs. Most people do this with the aim that they will derive happiness and avoid pain and suffering. Actions that bring more pleasure than pain are good . A person’s actions are aimed at the common good for all parties concerned. This principle is difficult to adopt since it requires the evaluation of a number of consequences before coming up with a right answer that will cause all parties more pleasure than pain. I disagree with this principle since decisions should not always be influenced by other factors surrounding a particular situation. There is a moral guide which dictates how people should act in certain situations. Emotions are a major player in this principle, but it is also a fact that most times emotions and rationalism tend to differ. For instance, feelings of despair and hopelessness lead to different decisions as those that would be made based on feelings of excitement and hope. It is argued that while the utilitarian principle is based on maximizing happiness, people must also prove they deserve this happiness. People must make decisions that they are able to live in harmony with. These decisions must be based on virtues which include justice, temperance, prudence and fortitude and Christian virtues such as faith, charity and hope . A decision which causes happiness but has no virtue or cannot be made in harmony with other factors is still wrong.
References
Blackburn, S. (2003). Ethics: a very short introduction. Oxford : Oxford University Press.
Mackay, H. (2004). Right and wrong: how to decide for yourself, Hodder Headline. Sydney.
