Moral Judgement (Kant / Utilitarian) Essay, Research Paper

First of all I want to state the Kantian and the Utilitarian views butt heads

on this issue. The Kantian view is nonconsequential, that is as a matter of principle

with the consequences be damned. The Utilitarian view is consequential with the

results given as much consideration as possible. I will attempt to explain what

I mean through some examples. Some school systems hand out condoms free of charge

to their students. The Utilitarian view would be that this is a good thing. They

would state that by doing so they are stopping unwanted pregnancies that in turn

could cost society. This program would help stop the spreading of diseases such

as HIV, AIDS and syphilis. This also would lesson the burden on society. Kantian

view would not be in favor of this program because it is considering the outcome

of what might happen if the program were not in place. They might feel it is the

parent?s decision to make because it is their job to act in good will of their

family and not the school system?s. Another topic under much debate would be assisted

suicide. The Kantian view is totally opposed to this. It is just wrong to kill

someone. One cannot kill another person out of good will. If you were to apply

this to the Universal Law it would not hold true and there for it is wrong. On

the other hand, the Utilitarian view would be open to this concept. How could

we allow one to suffer knowing they are going to die in the end anyway? Would

it be wrong to stop the suffering? How can one seek the greatest amount of happiness

if they are suffering and are basically condemned to die? By assisting this individual

we are also helping out his family by limiting their grief. We are also helping

out society by freeing up a bed in the hospital for those individuals that could

be healed and go on to lead a happy life. It could also save money if the person

does not have insurance. The last example I want to use is the needle exchange

program. This is where drug users can exchange dirty needles for clean ones. This

program also stops the spreading of diseases such as HIV and AIDS. The Utilitarian

would also state that is lessons the burden on society. Drug users are also associated

to crime and when they come into exchange needles help may be provided to get

them off drugs and there fore lesson the crime rate and bring more happiness to

society. The Kantian view would not be in favor of this program because it is

considering the consequences of what would happen if community doesn?t help. They

would state that drug use is not good will and not at all duty. If a drug user

is breaking the law by using drugs and needles they should be punished. This punishment

is not to be a deterrent but rather what is right because one breaks the law.

I Think the Utilitarian view is better than the Kantian view because it does consider

the outcomes of the event. Though I am not wholly sold on their concept. The Kantian

view does not address the problem it just condemns it. In the world today we all

know what happens when a person breaks the law and so do the criminals yet; they

still break the law. When someone is addicted to a drug it is out of their control

to help themselves and society as a whole should step in and help. Their does

come a time when you can help only so much and it is up to the individual to correct

their own wrong but not in all circumstances. I think the best approach would

be a happy medium between both views.

Vice & Virtue

fourth edition

Fred & Christina Sommers