Question

1. Referencing the key principles of each, describe the two foundational ethical theories of Utilitarianism and Kantianism and demonstrate how they might be applied to resolve a contemporary ethical dilemma in your workplace; illustrate how the results would differ depending on the theory used.

Answer 1

Kantianism suggests that the intention and the means of performing that intention should be judged, on the basis whether it is right or wrong. It would not focus on the end result(s) or the consequence(s).

Utilitarianism focuses on the happiness spread by the action whether that action and the means of doing that action was right or wrong, it does not matter.

To demonstrate the impact of both the theories on taking decisions, lets discuss a situation at a beer bar. Now, here, a person snatches glasses of beer from the guests and spill all the beer stored, and he distributes around the papers with message of not drinking beer or alcohol.

In such a situation, if Kantianism is applied then the person should be provided with all the praises because he has got all the good intentions and his actions are right. He does right thing morally.

However, as per Utilitarian principle, that person may be prosecuted in view of disturbing peace, destroying properties, annoying people etc.

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