Deontological Decision Making vs. Utilitarianism Decision Making

Attribute	Deontological Decision Making	Utilitarianism Decision Making
Focus	Emphasizes following moral rules and duties	Emphasizes maximizing overall happiness or utility
Principle	Act based on duty and moral rules	Act to maximize overall happiness
Consequences	Consequences are not as important as following moral rules	Consequences are the primary factor in decision making
Intentions	Focuses on the intentions behind actions	Focuses on the outcomes of actions
Universalizability	Believes in universal moral rules that apply to all	Believes in actions that maximize happiness for all

Introduction

When it comes to ethical decision making, two prominent theories that are often discussed are deontological decision making and utilitarianism decision making. Both of these approaches offer different perspectives on how individuals should make moral choices, and each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

Deontological Decision Making

Deontological decision making is a moral theory that focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions themselves, rather than the consequences of those actions. In other words, deontologists believe that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the outcomes they produce. This approach is often associated with philosophers like Immanuel Kant, who argued that individuals have a duty to act in accordance with moral principles, such as telling the truth or respecting the autonomy of others.

• Focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions
• Emphasizes moral principles and duties
• Actions are judged based on whether they adhere to moral rules
• Does not consider the consequences of actions

Utilitarianism Decision Making

Utilitarianism decision making, on the other hand, is a consequentialist moral theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or well-being. According to utilitarianism, the right action is the one that produces the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people. This approach is often associated with philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who argued that the consequences of actions should be the primary factor in determining their morality.

• Focuses on maximizing overall happiness or well-being
• Emphasizes the consequences of actions
• Actions are judged based on their outcomes
• Considers the impact on the greatest number of people

Comparison of Attributes

While deontological decision making and utilitarianism decision making both aim to guide individuals in making ethical choices, they differ in several key attributes. One of the main distinctions between the two approaches is their focus - deontological decision making emphasizes moral principles and duties, while utilitarianism decision making prioritizes the consequences of actions.

Another important difference between deontological decision making and utilitarianism decision making is their approach to moral dilemmas. Deontologists believe that certain actions are always wrong, regardless of the circumstances, while utilitarians argue that the morality of an action depends on its consequences. This can lead to conflicting conclusions in situations where the right course of action is not clear.

Additionally, deontological decision making and utilitarianism decision making differ in their treatment of individual rights and autonomy. Deontologists believe that individuals have certain inherent rights that should not be violated, even if doing so would produce better overall consequences. Utilitarians, on the other hand, may be willing to sacrifice individual rights in order to maximize overall happiness.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Both deontological decision making and utilitarianism decision making have their own strengths and weaknesses. One of the strengths of deontological decision making is its emphasis on moral principles and duties, which can provide individuals with clear guidelines for ethical behavior. However, a weakness of this approach is that it may not always lead to the best outcomes, as it does not consider the consequences of actions.

On the other hand, one of the strengths of utilitarianism decision making is its focus on maximizing overall happiness, which can lead to decisions that benefit the greatest number of people. However, a weakness of this approach is that it may prioritize the needs of the majority over the rights of individuals, potentially leading to unjust outcomes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, deontological decision making and utilitarianism decision making offer different perspectives on how individuals should make ethical choices. While deontologists focus on moral principles and duties, utilitarians prioritize the consequences of actions. Both approaches have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the best approach may depend on the specific circumstances of a moral dilemma. Ultimately, individuals must carefully consider the attributes of each approach and weigh them against their own values and beliefs when making ethical decisions.