Utilitarianism
What action will lead to the best overall outcome
for the most people?
The right action is the one that
produces the greatest good for the greatest people
Focuses on results and
* Easy to apply in real-world decision-making
Weaknesses:
* Can justify harming individuals if the
* Does not always protect minority rights or moral rules
Ban Full Contact
Deontology
Morality is based on rules, duties,
and obligations
Actions are morally right or wrong based on whether they follow a set of rules or principles
What is my duty? Are my actions consistent with universal moral rules
Utilitarianism (consequentialism)
Utilitarianism (consequentialism)
* Focus: outcomes or consequences
* Core idea: The right action is the one that produces
the greatest overall happiness or least harm for the
* Question: What action leads to the best results?
* Example: lying is okay if it makes more people happy
than telling the truth
Deontology
Deontology
* Focus: duties, rules, or moral principles
* Core idea: the right action is the one that follows
moral rules, regardless of the
* Question: What is my duty? What rules must I follow?
* Example: Lying is always wrong, even if it would
make people happy, because it breaks a moral rule
Virtue Ethics
- Focus: character and moral virtues
- Core idea: the right actions is what a virtuous person
(honest, kind, brave, etc.) would do. It is about being a good
person, not just following rules or maximizing - Question: What would a good or virtuous person do?
- Example: a virtuous person values honesty but also
compassion, so they would try to act in a way that reflects
both traits wisely
