Accounting for Individuality

Accounting for Individuality Kadejia Jackson Peppers-Bates Utilitarianism and deontology contrast on many ethical principles. Utilitarianism is agent-neutral disregarding individual preferences, whereas deontology is agent-relative and takes a persons preferences into account. Utilitarianism also has a broad goal to maximize well-being and utility while deontology allows moral decisions to be driven by personal interest and ones own moral principles. Utilitarianism is not agent-relative, unlike deontology, instead it is agent-neutral which causes utilitarians to overlook individual interest and opinion in favor of maximizing overall utility. Utilitarianism does not account for the moral individuality of people. A utilitarian, unlike a deontologist, would rather have someone do something they dislike for the prospect of the good while a deontologist would allow a person to consider their own interests and account for other options in the moral decision making. In this paper, I will be contrasting the opinions of utilitarianism and deontology on the points of special obligations, options and constraints, topics seen in deontology, and how the lack of these point in utilitarianism cause it to be criticized by deontologist. In order to grasp the difference in which these two moral standards view people as individuals, its important to understand the basis of these theories. Starting with utilitarianism, this approach values well-being or utility. The overarching goal of this approach is to lead a life where cumulated decisions are made in the effort to maximizing utility. This approach also hold individuals to be valued the same. Since no one person is valued more than another, a utilitarian could be seen to value the many over the few if doing so would accrue more utility. This particular view is criticized by deontology for not considering a persons own interest and personal values. While on the subject of deontology, its important to recognize that deontology is an agent-relative approach and, unlike Utilitarianism, does recognize individual interest. Each of us is morally permitted to give special weight to our own interests, just because they are ours (McNaughton and Rawlings 35). A point made in deontology is that a person has special obligations or responsibilities to people they hold close and value more than others. Deontology also gives the idea of constraints that people hold because individuals can have different moral principles that keep them from making morally impermissible decisions. A deontologist can be constrained by the principle that killing is wrong and should never be done and in a dilemma where killing is a factor, the deontologist would uphold that principle. A utilitarian on the other hand would consider killing if doing so would have greater utility that not doing so. The third point in deontology involves options which allows people to not always follow through with actions that could be considered necessary or actions that maximize utility. Knowing the bases for these theories it could be understandable why deontologist would criticize utilitarianisms ability to understand individual moral differences. From the utilitarian point of view, its unnecessary to have special obligations. Take parenting for example, it would be expected that a parent would have an obligation to treat their child well because they value their child over others. For a utilitarian, treating children well should not be confined to just that one parents interest because well-being would increase if all children were treated well. Another point about special obligations is that not only does it allow one to consider those closest to them in their decision making, having special obligations is seen as having a duty to those whom a person has special relationships. Many people believe that not only are we permitted to do more for those close to us, but we are often required to put their interest first. We owe things to those with whom we have special relationship [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] that we do not owe to strangers (McNaughton and Rawlings 37). So, unlike utilitarianism, deontology strongly accounts for individuals relationships with others, especially those close to them. The second point included in deontology is having constraints. These prohibitions constrain in what we may do to any person, even in pursuit of good ends (McNaughton and Rawlings 38). As mentioned before, having constraints allows a deontologist to refrain from committing any act that would not abide by their moral principles. Utilitarianism on the other hand, would commit any act with the reward of maximizing utility. The strength of constraints also vary person to person but they are still something not seen in utilitarianism because an individuals constraints arent taken into account when making utilitarian actions. The final point in deontology, options, could be considered a strong factor that allows moral individuality of people. Options create the ability for different people to make a multitude of different decisions in any given situation because in deontology theyre given the option to do so. In Utilitarianism, the right option is the choice you make that accrues the most good. Deontology responds, in a way, to this by giving people choices and ability to consider multiple outcomes. Then, with special obligations and constraints taken into consideration, a person is able to make a decision that fits within their parameters rather than the objective decision to benefit the masses. To reiterate, what strongly separates deontology from utilitarianism is the concepts having special obligations, options, and constraints. Deontologists criticize utilitarians for overlooking these points during moral decision making. Utilitarians dont hold special relationships in regard for their actions because, to utilitarians, decisions are not made for those who a person holds close but instead they are made in order to produce the most good. Constraints are also disregarded for utilitarians because if a decision can be made that produces the most good, then that would be the right decision for a utilitarian, even if that decision would normally be opposed by a deontologist. Lack of constraints for utilitarians is also criticized by deontologists. Since maximizing utility is the goal for utilitarianism, options are forgone and replaced by the decisions that result in the most utility. Its due to this disregard of a persons personal connections, constraints, and options, utilita rianism is criticized for not considering the moral individuality of people. Personally, its difficult to assess which of these approaches are better. Deontology is appealing because it looks at many factors before coming to a decision. When making a decision as a deontologist, a person looks at how a decision would affect not only themselves but people they hold close. They would actually put those people before anyone else. A deontologist would also consider their constraints and what they are willing and not willing to do in a moral conundrum. On the other hand, utilitarianism values maximizing well-being for not only ones self but mainly for the greater population. It seems more selfless to try to do things to help others rather than yourself when contemplating decisions. Utilitarians also are willing to do things some people may be unwilling or hesitant to do if it would have the best benefit. When contemplating the appeals of both theories, the train track dilemma comes to mind. The train track dilemma has a runaway train that, if a switch is not pulled, the train could kill five people. Yet, on the other tracks, where the train will go if the switch is pulled, there lies only one person. The dilemma is then, if placed in this situation, whether you should allow the train to move forward and kill the five people, or should you flip the switch and redirect it to the one person. For a utilitarian, the decision is quite simple. individuals are all worth the same so saving five people would be worth more than saving one person; the switch would be pulled. For a deontologist, its harder because a strong deontological constraint is against murder and to pull the switch would basically be the direct murder of a person. If a deontologist didnt pull the switch, then they would not have broken their constraint and also not directly have killed. Personally, the deontological approach to the dilemma is unappealing. Not making a choice can be seen as making a choice in itself. The deontological idea of not pulling the switch leads to five people dead, and in my personal opinion, five people dead is worse than one person dead. Killing may be wrong, but like a utilitarian, its better if a fewer amount of people die. Although deontology criticizes utilitarianism for lacking the acknowledgement of individual morality, following deontology could possibly lead to worse consequences than following utilitarianism. This is what, in my opinion, make utilitarianism better. My decisions typically revolve around finding the best overall outcome rather than the outcome specifically tailored to my interests. Therefore, the theory that prioritizes maximum well-being seems the better of the two. Works Cited McNaughton, David, and Piers Rawling, Deontology. Ethics in practice: an anthology. 4th ed., edited by Hugh Lafollette, John Wiley Sons, 2014, pp. 35-39.

Thoughts on a Democratic England

AbstractThis paper discusses the development of democracy in England, specifically addressing the interaction between parliament, capitalists, and the masses during the early nineteenth century, and how these interactions lead to a more democratic England; however, the focus will be on entertaining the theory ‘What else could have heralded Democracy during this time?’ Thoughts on a Democratic EnglandThe early nineteenth century saw England at the cusp of a radical change, socially, politically, and economically. The advent of the Industrial Revolution had drastically transformed the mental and physical landscapes of the time; factories were sprouting left and right, people were flooding into the cities to work, and entrepreneurs kept the thriving businesses alive. Gradually the topic of Human rights arose, and cities clamored for representatives in Parliament, while the idea of universal suffrage arose, men voicing out desires to vote in order to improve the condition of life.As history shows, after much conflict – riots, deaths, political upheavals- the internal tension in the nation gave way to a greater amount of freedom and Democracy among the citizens. But what if these internal forces had not simmered and seethed, causing uproar and promoting change like they did? Would the outcome then have been similar? Let us examine the conditions of the time, and assess whether present forces of that day could have instigated change, as the conflict between social classes did.The first and seemingly obvious alternative would be a Revolution. During that time –the early 19th Century- the memories of both the French and the Irish (against the English) Revolutions were still fresh in men’s minds; this coupled with the inequities prevalent in the new, Industrialized society, would have galvanized rebellion and caused men to bear arms against the Capitalists who coveted the lion’s share of the profits as well as the Parliament, who denied men representation, votes, and a say in the great scheme of things.The second alternative would be Education. This was a time when newspaper and the printed page thrived. Aside from news, many works of entertainment were printed in the weekly papers, by writers such as Charles Dickens. The Literacy rate was increasing, and as people were no longer scattered but concentrated in the cities, thus quickening the dissemination of information, the Media could, theoretically, have spearheaded a movement for change.Inevitably though, these two alternate theories would have eventually coincided with the ideas which opened this paper, namely Social Conflict. For Democracy ultimately dwells in the hearts and minds of men, and, as such, all socio-political and economic movements begin and end in the realm of social strife.

The Underage Drinking Crisis in America Essay - 1030 Words

By definition and federal law, underage drinking is any person under 21 who are consuming alcohol. In 2011, Missouri had 258 total alcohol impaired fatalities. Forty-six, or thirty percent, of these fatalities were under the age of twenty-one (Century Council). Surely, it does not happen in small towns like Warrensburg. Yes, in fact, it does happen in Warrensburg, the reason being it is a college town, and Whiteman Air Force Base is just twenty minutes outside the town. Here are stories of underage drinking incidences that occurred in Warrensburg, Jackson County, and St. Joseph. In October 2008, UCM homecoming night, a second floor fight broke out in Club Blue, a bar down on Pine Street. The fight caused an ‘all-call’, which†¦show more content†¦Before answering these questions, let us look at some background information first. First, what does Missouri law say about underage drinking? Secondly, what are some reasons that may cause minors to start drinking? Lastly, what are possible consequences of underage drinking? Background Missouri law has a lot to say when it comes to minors and their use of alcohol. Some laws are decent, while others are less decent. Let us examine the decent laws first. First, according to the APIS, Missouri law prohibits underage possession of alcohol with no exceptions. Next, State law, also prohibits any internal possession of alcohol by minors, with absolutely no exceptions. Third, the purchase of alcohol by minors is prohibited, with the exception of undercover law enforcement purposes. The next two laws are perhaps part of the problem of underage drinking. These two laws allow for the furnishing of minors with alcohol. Fourth, Missouri law says that furnishing minors with alcohol is prohibited, with the exception of a parent or guardian. Finally, the law of Missouri prohibits social hosting parties, which gives minors access to alcohol, again with the exception of family (APIS). 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Unequal Childhoods - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 699 Downloads: 6 Date added: 2019/03/13 Category Sociology Essay Tags: Childhood Essay Did you like this example? Unequal Childhoods The way language is used by parents towards their children in both working and poor class homes is just one of the areas where author, Annette Lareau illustrates class inequality. The way children are taught to speak and use their language will further assist them in their future with their professional endeavors and how they act within society. Through the process of concerted cultivation found in upper middle class homes, parents expose their children to a wider range of vocabulary and promote negotiating and reasoning skills throughout conversation. Children are able to negotiate with their parents due to the use of extended language and the use of directives. Parents tend to explain why an action or reaction needs to take place and promotes conversation with verbal skills and summarization. Children are taught to ask questions, thus obtain the knowledge and confidence to challenge people of authority. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Unequal Childhoods" essay for you Create order Annette Lareau illustrates this process with Stacey Marshall who is directed by her mother to prepare a statement to why she does not intend to try out for the gymnastics team (pg. 174). Stacey Marshall while touring the YMCA proceeds to describe her gymnastics skills and her opinions on the length of the vaulting runway to the coach without interruption from her mother (pg. 176). Staceys mother encourages her to have opinions and treats her opinions with importance and weighs them into consideration when making choices about her extracurricular activities. Alexander Williamss parents engage in conversation to promote his verbal skills and his ability to summarize his ideas when asked how his day went (pg. 117). Alexanders mother also shows interest in to accommodation him and his opinions with certain home decisions such as what food preference will be served for dinner (pg. 117). Alexanders parents also use new language (i.e. medical and scientific terms) and discuss political issues into daily conversation to prepare Alexander for a range of life experiences. When compared with children who reside in working class, where the process of natural growth is favored, exposure to words and conversation is less. Children tend to not challenge or question adults and they learn more from directives. Wendy and Willie Driver are not observed disagreeing or questioning their mother when given directives. Unlike Stacey Marshalls parents, communication is used more as a tool other than an important dimension on their childs life. In the McAllister home, Ms. McAllister tends to be short with her conversations and does not seek the verbal feedback or opinions of her children. Ms. McAllister use of short directives (i.e. shower and go to bed) designates what needs to be done in the home. Protests are not highly observed in the McAllister household and the children quietly abide without comment. This is illustrated when Harolds sister is told to sit for over an hour to get her hair braided, and she quietly obeyed even though the task took over an hour to complete (pg. 147). This is also seen when Harold does not want to eat spinach and is loudly ordered by his mother to eat it without any explanation on why he has to (pg. 147). Throughout the book, Laurea illustrates an understanding of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds within the middle and working class families in an attempt to show the reader that inequality does still exist in our society. When we hear the phrase, American Dream, as a society tends to assume that it is easily accomplished if one works hard to proceed no matter what economic or social background a person is born into. Society at times often overlook that opportunity is not equivalent within society and gaps between racial wealth and social class are still seen today within American households. The statement, American Dream resting in the hands of individuals, I agree has some truth to it in regards to it due to many individuals have been able to overcome their hardships and succeed (i.e Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner). But my perception of the American Dream, I feel as a Caucasian female was somewhat influenced on how I saw myself fitting into society. Where up to past current events, whites, mostly males, have been represented most of the political, economic and social class of America.