John Stuart Mill's Kantian Decision-Making

Kantian Decision-Making

Kantian ethical procedures will be examined to decide whether or not Joe should lie about an elderly woman attempting to steal. Kantian ethics are in opposition to that of Utilitarianism, acting out of duty and not necessarily beneficial outcomes in life situations. Kant believes that human beings can be separated from that of the rest of the world in two pivotal ways. We are exceptional because we are able to create maxims and govern ourselves using autonomy that cannot be taken away. In making decisions, we must make those that stem from a logical perspective, referring to the duty that human beings have. This is due to the fact that we are all considered bearers of reason and must act as such, respecting both …show more content…
Utilitarianism utilizes the greatest happiness principle, which functions on the less harm and most beneficial outcomes of a situation. Rule utilitarianism is a choice that would work in a holistic fashion whereas act works on the particular situation. This powerful philosophical theory was brought about by John Stuart Mill in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. Utilitarianism will be examined to determine what Joe should do when seeing an elderly lady attempting to steal. In act utilitarianism, the first determination must be of the various courses of action one may take in that particular situation. Joe has only two choices when confronted by the manager, lie or tell the truth. After assessing the feasible options, the parties involved must be considered along with the benefits and harms that will be caused by each possible choice. When determining the parties that will be either harmed or helped, Joe must consider the elderly woman, cat, store owner, store manager, and himself in deciding the option that has the most moral worth. When ruminating about the effects of telling the truth, both the parties that are happy and unhappy will aid in determining the morally worthy choice. In this case, telling the truth would make the store owner and the store manager happy. The manager would be happy that food was not stolen and he would be likely to be praised for catching thieving citizens.The owner of the store would be pleased as he has productive employees and no lack of revenue due to that particular theft. On the opposing side, both the old woman and the cat would be both harmed and unhappy. They would be closer to starving and would have very little chance to acquire the simplest necessities of life. Joe would also be unhappy as he would know he helped to cause both a cat and hungry elder's pain and lack of food. When looking at the option of lying, Joe must consider who will

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