Both utilitarianism and Kantianism have their strengths and weaknesses. Get access to this section to get all the help you need with your essay and educational goals. Keywords: utilitarianism, Kantianism, strengths, weaknesses, moral structure. The virtue of utilitarianism (“good of the many outweighs the good of the few”) is the focus on general well-being which is esssntial if society is to see progress. 4. The theory gives us a system that could be understood by a child. Yes, I believe that it is better. However, these two philosophies take on different standpoints on ethics. Kantianism VS Utilitarianism I would like to preface this by saying that I personally subscribe to the theory of utilitarianism when it comes to ethics, but I've been trying to broaden my horizons. Also contrary to Utilitarianism, Kantianism asserts that the moral worth of an action should be judged on its motive and the action itself, and not on its consequences. One strength of Kantianism is it provides moral laws that hold universally, regardless of the culture or individual situations. What is the Difference Between Kantianism and Utilitarianism – Comparison of Key Differences, Ethics, Morals, Kantianism, Utilitarianism, Theories, Philosophy. Kant’s theory contains several ethical principles. These principles are the good will, establishing morality by reasoning alone, categorical imperative, duty rather than inclination, and summary and illustration . They need to grow up wanting to discover what the moral thing to do is. have to be prohibited even though sometimes such actions will also result in more happiness than other alternatives. Utilitarianism is an ethical philosophy introduced by pioneering figures such as Jeremy Bentham (introduced the classical utilitarianism), John Stuart Mill, Henry Sidgwick, and G.E Moore. Kantianism is another famous rule of the nonconsequentialist theory. Home » Public » People » Philosophy » What is the Difference Between Kantianism and Utilitarianism. Pecorino, Philip A. Both Kantianism and utilitarianism are ethical theories that express the ethical standard of an action. “Kantian Ethics. Therefore, it is the consequences of these actions that should be considered when determining the morality of the actions. However, these two philosophies take on different standpoints on ethics. 1. There are many strengths and weakness to utilitarianism. Also the Kant theory can be harsh at times. Kant’s theory contains several ethical principles. Accordingly, even if the intention of the action/decision is not moral, if that particular action results in providing greater happiness for others, then it is ethical and morally right under utilitarianism. On April 28, 2017 March 5, 2020 By Aimee Horsley In Essay Tips and Techniques, Ethics New Spec. • Lying is universally wrong and thus it is wrong in Kantianism too. Deontology or deontological theories are those that focus on ethics involving responsibility, moral duty, and commitment. 3. However, according to utilitarianism, an action is considered moral and good if it results in providing greater happiness for others, regardless of its intention; hence an action is measured by its consequences. One weakness is qualifying a rule versus making exceptions to it. Kantianism is understandable to all. Another weakness is the difficulty of educating the young or uninitiated. For example, you are inclined to not kill people and you are to obey that rule. We know that sometimes it's hard to find inspiration, so we provide you with hundreds of related samples. Hence, this theory belongs to deontological moral theories. 1. Unfortunately I am not currently enrolled in a philosophy course, nor have I been enrolled in one previously, although I do have a passing interest in maybe taking one during the upcoming semester. What are the Similarities Between Kantianism and Utilitarianism – Outline of Common Features 4. Also contrary to Utilitarianism, Kantianism asserts that the moral worth of an action should be judged on its motive and the action itself, and not on its consequences. 451). Kant gives us a stern notion of duty that seems to float in thin air. What is Kantianism – Definition, Theory, Characteristics 2. “Kantianism.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 10 Mar. Yes, I believe that it is better. However, these two diverge in their focus. Euthanasia is one of the issues that different philosophers have discussed in length. These principles are the good will, establishing morality by reasoning alone, categorical imperative, duty rather than inclination, and summary and illustration.