The Element Of Moral Philosophy By James Rachels - 1161 Words

In the book, â€Å"The Element of Moral Philosophy†, James Rachels explores the several criticisms of Utilitarianism. In this essay, I will touch on these criticisms, outlining the major implications they propose to Utilitarianism. I will also explain why many of the notions proposed against Utilitarianism are self-serving, and instead serve to improve the general good of a minority population, which contradicts the Utilitarian theory of equating moral aptitude to the general good of a majority population, and that in this respect a greater consequence is achieved. Lastly, I will demonstrate how many societal values have a Utilitarian basis, which proves that Utilitarianism can be salvaged in the face of most criticisms. In substance, the nature of Utilitarianism is derived of consequence. Utilitarianism proposes that the outcome of an act should suggest whether or not said act is morally correct. Many philosophers disagree, and believe that the consequence of an act does little to implicate morality. For example, there are numerous crimes committed daily. Some of these crimes remain undiscovered and therefore result in zero negative consequence. The text specifically outlines a particular situation wherein a peeping Tom spies on a woman without her ever finding out. If the woman never finds out, then she has no reason to be upset, and in contrast the peeping Tom will be evidently pleased. This results in a positive outcome, or positive consequence, and therefore wouldShow MoreRelatedEvaluate †©Rachels †©Arguments †©Against †©Cultural†© Relativism Essay1682 Words   |  7 Pages†©Is†©he†©right†©to†©endorse†© objective†©moral†©realism? DINH NAM TRAN 308213904 Cultural relativism, as defined by the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. â€Å"Is the thesis that a person’s culture strongly influences her modes of perception and thought† Most cultural relativists add to this definition saying that there is no standard of morality. This means that morality is relative to the particular society that one lives in. Prominent ethicist James Rachels has written against this view in hisRead MorePsychological Egoism662 Words   |  3 Pagesworld. In the world is not how psychological ego-ism says it is because someone acts unselfishly, then something is wrong with psycho-logical egoism. In my opinion this argument is completely wrong and unsound. According to James Rachel, an author of â€Å"Elements of Moral Philosophy,† there two main arguments exist against psychological egoism. The first argument can be formulated as such: 1) Everyone always does what they most want to do. 2) If everyone always does what they most want to do, theyRead MoreWhat Are Moral Relativism?922 Words   |  4 PagesJassim Al Hamqan Philosophy Dr. Brown 9th of September What is Moral Relativism? What is the Cultural Differences Argument in favor of Moral Relativism that was given by Herodotus and, more recently, by Ruth Benedict? What are some of the examples Benedict gave to illustrate her argument? Moral relativism is a philosophical doctrine that asserts that the truth or falsity of moral judgments is impossible to establish objectively. Its proponents claim that there is no moral truth and that any statementRead MorePsychological vs Ethical Egoism Essay1167 Words   |  5 Pagesact in a way that will generate the best results for him/herself. Thus, even actions that would appear to be altruistic are, in fact, motivated by one’s self-interest (Rachels, 2003, p. 70) . Behind every action that a person makes is an underlying question about what that person will get out of the action. According to Rachels, however, this remains an issue of human psychology as opposed to being one of ethics. That being said, psychological egoism does have serious costs for human moralityRead MoreJohn Stuart Mill’s Theory of Utilitarianism1336 Words   |  5 Pagescan be examined morally using John Stuart Mill’s theory of Utilitarianism and the Greatest Happiness Principle (GHP) and Immanuel Kant’s Deontology and his Formula of Universal Law (FUL). I will also explain why Kantian Deontology works better as a moral theory in the case of Tom and Mary. In John Stuart Mill’s, â€Å"Utilitarianism,† Mill describes his theory as, â€Å"†¦ not something to be contradistinguished from pleasure, but pleasure itself, together with the exemption of pain (2001, p. 9).† What Mill isRead MoreThe Challenges Of Cultural Relativism And Ethical Egoism1659 Words   |  7 Pagesabout every culture, with no single, undisputed answer to show for it. James Rachels touches on this question in The Elements of Moral Philosophy, within the sections â€Å"The Challenges of Cultural Relativism† and â€Å"Ethical Egoism.† There is an important distinction that can be made between cultural moral relativism and individual moral relativism, but ultimately their meanings rejoin. The distinction does allow individual moral relativism to be compared to ethical egoism. Both theories begin by beingRead MoreThe Elements Of Moral Philosophy1407 Words   |  6 PagesIn â€Å"The Elements of Moral Philosophy† James Rach els discusses the positives and negatives regarding the concept of cultural relativism, but his overall position is that cultural relativism is not a strong philosophy. On the flip side of that Immanuel Kant has a completely different ethical theory that is based around deontology. Despite its positives, cultural relativism cannot be defended against Rachels’ criticism, but Kant’s ethical theory cannot necessarily defeat cultural relativism eitherRead MoreIn James Rachels’ Book, The Elements Of Moral Philosophy,780 Words   |  4 PagesIn James Rachels’ book, The Elements of Moral Philosophy, he explains many things in the ninth chapter. He made statement about philosopher who decided the absolute moral rules. It explains in the beginning, there’s no definite answer for moral rules. Again, it’s about belief, cultural, tradition etc. Truman decision of dropping the bomb created conflict, some disagree and others agree. Categorical imperative and hypothetical imperative are explained with Kant’s conceptive on lying. His argumentRead MoreIn James Rachels’ Book, The Element Of Moral Philosophy,858 Words   |  4 PagesIn James Rachels’ book, the Element of Moral Philosophy, he made interesting point in the fourth chapter. He points out the similarities and differences between morality and religion. Mostly, when thought about morals, religion is mention. Religion is almost all about morals. Directing what is wrong and right. Divine Command Theory is morality relationship between God (gods) and the people. God (gods) orders the meaning of good and the bad. People need to follow the rules to receive blessings fromRead MoreUtilitarianism Vs. Kantian Theory1100 Words   |  5 Pagessupporter of Utilitarian theory; which focuses on overall happiness and consequences of an action (EMP 122). While Kant believed in his own theory that moral rules are absolute (EMP 129). Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics have few strengths and notable weaknesses, thus proving both theories implausible when compared to the minimum concept of morality and the moral issue of Euthanasia. According to Jeremy Bentham and Utilitarianism, morality is about making the world as happy as possible (EMP 99). This concept