Essays on Utilitarians

There is a controversial question whether it is possible to justify torture. A similar question arises in the debate on whether it is possible to justify the use of torture during interrogations of suspected terrorists. Arguments in favor of torture starts with utilitarian calculation. Torture is causing the suspect suffering that dramatically reduce his/her happiness or favor. From the utilitarian point of view, it can be argued that the infliction of suffering is morally justified if torture prevent death and suffering on a massive scale. The arguments of the former US Vice-President Richard Cheney, who claimed that the use ...

As with any significant new technology, drones have changed the human experience. Nevertheless, it is important to also take into account the ethical aspects that these modifications may have on humanity. In this sense, one of the greatest factors would be the invasion of privacy, which drones allow in a more discreet manner. Furthermore, they may also be used for wars, helping combat enemy troops from far away, without having to sacrifice one’s own men. As expected, this would lead different ethical theories to have various positions on the subject, especially deontology and utilitarianism. As a whole, paradoxically ...

Utilitarianism, which is the greatest happiness principle, considers that a good action is an action that paves the way to production of happiness, and a bad action lead to producing unhappiness. The only factor that plays a significant role is consequence or result of action, and most significant consequence is happiness or unhappiness. Utilitarianism theory does not require somehow certain knowledge regarding future, instead it demands that when individuals act, they should be aware of what they want they desire the outcome to be first. The theory is of the view that it is only possible to judge wrong ...

Introduction

Mining activities can pose serious environmental and health implications. Although, these environmental and health hazards can be mitigated and effectively managed through sound engineering and environmental practices, these environmental and health issues associated with mining operations could not be totally eradicated. In general, there are three major players in the mining industry: the company, which include the employees and the stockholders; the regulatory bodies, which include the government and other national and international environmental organizations; and the community, which are not directly related to the mining industry, but is impacted by its operations. Each one of these stakeholders has ...

As indicated by utilitarians, the correct thing to do is dependably to expand bliss. Libertarians imagine that the proper thing to do is regularly to give individuals a chance to do whatever they need. John Locke's hypothesis says that there are unalienable rights, stood to each individual by the "law of nature." The popular savant Immanuel Kant believed that each of these perspectives was mixed up. Against utilitarians, Kant holds that flexibility—and not satisfaction—is the objective of profound quality; against Libertarians, Kant denies that opportunity comprises in doing whatever you need; and against Locke, he holds that ...