Moral Theory

             A consequentialist moral theory is an action that is morally right if the consequences of the action is more favorable than unfavorable. Consequentialist principles require that we first take in effect both the good and bad consequences of any action and determine whether the total good outweighs the total bad consequences. If the good consequences are greater, then the action is moral. If the bad consequences are greater, then the action is not moral. Deontological theories are specific on principles of obligation. An example of this is, it is wrong to commit murder, steal or commit any other crimes in society. Many of us feel that there are clear obligations we have as human beings.
             John Stuart Mill believed in an ethical theory known as utilitarianism. He stated, "Everyone should act in such a way to bring the largest possibly balance of good over evil for everyone involved." Mill believed the goodness of an act might be determined by the consequences of that act. Consequences are determined by the amount of happiness or unhappiness caused, and a "good" man is one who considers the other man's pleasure or pain as equally as his own. Each person's happiness is equally important. Mill believed that a free act is not an undetermined act, and that every situation depends on how you address the situation and that you are only responsible for your feelings and actions.
             Immanuel Kant had an interesting ethical system. It is based on a belief that the reason is the final authority for morality. Kant stated the creed of the enlightenment: "Dare to know." Actions of any sort, he believed, must be undertaken from a sense of duty dictated by reason, and no action performed for expediency or solely in obedience to law or custom can be regarded as moral. A moral act is an act done for the "right" reasons. Kant would argue that to make a promise for the wrong reason is not moral - you might as well not make the promise. Kant described ...

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Moral Theory. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 04:56, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/87680.html