What is different and the same between utilitarianism and ethical egoism? First, I will be summarizing and evaluating the two different theories. When completing this, I will then compare them. Next, my opinion will be given of which one I think is better. Finally, a case out of Morality Play will be given and talked about. First, I will summarize utilitarianism. According to James Rachels, “Utilitarianism can be summed up in three propositions: (a) The morality of an action depends on the consequences of the action. (b) An action’s consequences matter only insofar as they involve the greater or lesser happiness of individuals. (c) in the assessment of consequences, each individual’s happiness gets equal consideration.” To me this means maximizing pleasure. This means the state of feeling good or happy. Some examples would be reading a book, cooking, or getting a college education. In “Utilitarianism” by John Stuart Mill, it states, “By happiness is intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of pleasure.” …show more content…
The first strength of utilitarianism is there are higher and lower pleasures inside of the theory. An example of a high pleasure would be family. Another strength would be you are going to get support from multiple people because they are going to be concerned with not just themselves but everyone. A weakness being pleasure isn’t the only thing in the world. There is also pain. The final weakness would be based on the consequences. Before you do something, you think about what your consequences will be. According to Professor Robert Nozick we are worried about missing out on