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Act Utilitarianism Research Paper

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The concept of utilitarianism was founded by Jeremy Bentham, and is a moral theory that emphasizes that the morally right action will produce the most good. This theory is considered to be another form of consequentialism. In laments terms, the determination of whether an act is right or wrong is based upon the effect it will result in. Another concept that is correlated with utilitarianism includes ruling utilitarianism. Both theories try to maximize happiness, and there is not one answer that is preferable to the other. Instead, we need to examine the two more complexly, allowing there to be a bilaterally multilevel approach. Act utilitarians believe decisions that need to be made should be based upon the action that will create the greatest net utility. This should also be applied on a case by case basis. The right action in any situation is the one that yields more utility. It is important to keep in mind that act utilitarianism focus on the individual actions. To act utilitarian obviously seems that maximum good will be produced. It will maximize the overall utility that is within our power by maximizing the utility of each individual action that we perform. If I choose actions that produced …show more content…
One of them includes the fact that it fails to give the correct answer to moral questions posed. This being said, it would allow various actions to occur despite people knowing that it is morally wrong. As Rachels and Rachels The Elements of Moral Philosphy, pointed out, False that happiness is the only thing that matters. Take the example of the pianist that had damaged hands as an example. Was the loss of her hands bad because it made her unhappy? The poor outcome would not make a turn for the best if one tried to make her happy because her musical gifts have come to an end due to her injury. Ultimately, people will intrinsically value things other than happiness and

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