Ethical Theories: Debate Between Utilitarianism, Absolutism

Ethical Theories
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Introduction
Ethics has and will always be part and parcel of everyday life. It has constituted the fundamental fabric that holds humanity and human culture together. Without ethics, chaos would rule the world. There are various ethical perspectives, such as utilitarianism and absolutism. The difference in the moral views emanates from the fact that there are indeed different schools of thought. Each ethical perspective works on the weaknesses or deficiencies of the other. In this manner, it can easily be noted that the various ethical aspects are just but complimentary of each other. This paper delves at dissecting utilitarianism, painting out a picture of what it covers thereof, through examples and comparisons to absolutism.
Discussion
Utilitarian ethics is one of the leading ethical perspectives in philosophy. As a moral theory, utilitarianism specifically and mainly looks at the essence of what good is got out of a particular action or decision (Green, 2006). As a result, in utilitarianism, an effort is considered to be good if its effects or consequences satisfy and benefit a lot of people. It is deemed to be wrong if it does the contrary; causes a lot of negativities in its wake. In utilitarianism, the consequences of an act as the basis of the act’s moral permissiveness. From the various branches of utilitarianism, it is evident that its focus is on the happiness and pleasure of the majority, for an act to be taken or considered right. An action is deemed to be morally wrong if it results in pain or suffering to the majority.
Absolutism
On the other hand, absolutism holds an entirely different perspective, According to absolutism, there exists a system guided by strict rules and regulations, which one needs to operate in. An act is therefore considered right or wrong under only the mirror of these regulations. If an action fails to comply with the rules set, it is automatically wrong, if it meets, then it is considered right and hence moral. Absolutism sets a pathway which dictates that the morality, or immorality of an action depend on the failure to observe or observation respectively, of the rules (Jeske & Fumerton, 2010). It doesn't rely on one's objectives, goals or dreams. This also speaks of the entire society too. Rules and regulations must be followed.
Emmanuel Kant was one of the pioneers of absolutism through his composition of the categorical imperative aspect of deontology(Green,2006).Absolutism has been the most preferred ethical perspective in virtually all spheres of life, from the government to religion. Historically, it has been embraced because even the creation of laws and the constitution itself emanates from it. This, in turn, makes the judicial arm of government to have an easy time when it comes to interpretation and implementation of various rules. Religions too, follow this ethical perspective, as they have commandments handed down by their respective deities. These commandments seem to be absolute, and don’t have exemption clauses. As a result, one is supposed to abide by them strictly for one to be termed as moral or holy. Anything contrary to this is considered immoral and sinful.
Comparison of U...