Utilitarianism essay plans - religious studies a level
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Course
G572 - AS Religious Ethics
Institution
OCR
A document showcasing 2 written essay plans for questions in the utilitarianism topic of philosophy and ethics/ religious studies a level.
These are general essay plans which can be adapted and re organised to answer other general questions in the utilitarian topic. They can also be applied to bus...
This document includes 2 essay plans which can be adapted to answer other general questions on
the utilitarian topic.
Perel structure
P - Point
E - Explain
R - Response (opposing view point)
E - Evaluate (argue which side is better and why)
L - Link (link back to the question)
“Utilitarianism provides a helpful method of moral decision-making” Discuss
Perel 1
P - Act Utilitarianism does provide a helpful method of moral decision making as it considers
situations individually.
E - Act utilitarianism refers to the idea that every action, when making moral decisions, should be
considered on its own. It looks at the balance of pleasure and pain that is likely to be produced by
the particular action in the particular circumstance. This means the same action performed in two
di erent circumstances, may be completely di erent morally. There may be greater happiness
brought by stealing a loaf of bread to feed the starving family than to steal clothes just because you
want them. Although it is the same action, stealing, stealing because you want something would be
morally wrong.
R - This view is criticised by Mill he argues that we should not consider action circumstantially
however we should measure an action based on whether it produces higher or lower pleasures.” it is
better to be a human dissatis ed, than a pig satis ed.” Mill rejects act utilitarianism as he believes all
actions that are the same, for example stealing, regardless of the situation, will bring about the same
amount of pleasure. Mill believes some actions bring higher pleasures than others and this should be
our focus.
Perel 2
P - Kant argues that utilitarianism is not a good method of moral decision-making.
E - Kant argues that instead of viewing every action on an individual basis, there are absolute moral
rules which apply to every situation. Kantian ethics is concerned with the right action as opposed to
the right consequences. He believes that we must act according to our duty, our goodwill. This must
be worked out using our rational mind. In the example of a police woman, it is her duty to intervene
when she sees a crime being committed, she will have to intervene, not out of self interest, but
because it is her duty.
R - Bentham opposes Kants ideas of duty as he believes that a simple moral principle should be
adhered to. This idea suggests that actions should be carried out if they produce more overall
happiness and pleasure overpay and unhappiness. ”it is the greatest happiness for the greatest
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