The History of Ethics

In the history of ethics, two major viewpoints emerge: the consequentialist and the nonconsequentialist. The consequentialist view is based on or concerned with the consequences of one's actions, while nonconsequentialist views are not. One major consequentialist ethical theory is utilitarianism. This theory, whose principle architects were Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873), derives its name from utility, which means usefulness.

Utilitarianism is commonly found in two forms: act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism essentially states that everyone should perform that act which will bring about the greatest good for everyone affected by the act. Fundamentally, this theory requires that each individual assess the situation and determine which act would bring about the greatest amount of good consequences for the maximum number of persons involved. While act utilitarianism sounds nearly ideal, there are several criticisms to this theory. For one, it very difficult to ascertain what consequences are good for others, given that all individuals hold different sets of morals, values, and beliefs. Furthermore, there is a certain impracticality in having to begin anew because not all acts and situations are entirely different. It would also be difficult to educate others given there is no distinct set of rules or guidelines. And finally, one must consider the rights of those "few" whom do not benefit from that action which will bring about the greatest good.

To provide answers to many of the above mentioned criticisms, rule utilitarianism was established. In this form, utilitarians believe that everyone should establish and follow those rules that bring about the greatest good for all concerned. In other words rule utilitarians, from experience and careful reasoning, try and establish a series of rules that when followed, will yield the greatest good for humanity (i.e. "never kill except in self defense"). Associated with rule utilitarianism are some of the same criticisms encountered with act utilitarianism. Again, it becomes difficult to determine consequences of others. Furthermore, non-rule moralists argue strongly that there is no rule in which one could not find at least one exception.

In contrast, one major nonconsequentialist theory is Kantianism. This theory, often called "Duty Ethics," was formulated by Immanuel Kant (1724-1804). Kant believed that nothing was good in itself, except the attribute good will, which acts in accordance with rules regardless of consequences. Another human attribute Kant proposed was equally of importance, was one's ability to reason. He therefore believed it was possible to establish a valid set of absolute moral rules on the basis of reason alone without reference to God. Kant's two requirements for an absolute moral truth include both logical consistency (cannot be self-contradictory as a statement)