Description
In western philosophy the field of ethics has been dominated by two competing theories – utilitarianism and deontology. Utilitarianism, first formulated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, argues that the good is that which leads to the best outcome – the greatest benefit for the greatest number of people. Deontology on the other hand, formulated by Emmanuel Kant, argues the opposite – that an action’s morality is dependent not on its consequences but on its adherence to rational principles. These two enormously influential ethical theories are found in daily application all around us, in our politics and in our personal lives. Join us as we explore the foundations and ramifications of these two powerful approaches to the perennial question: What is the good and how do we achieve it?
