Table of ContentsUtilitarianismConsequentialismIllustrate the DifferenceConsequentialist EthicsReal World ExampleConclusionWhen it comes to ethical theories, two important schools of thought often come to mind: utilitarianism and consequentialism. Although these terms may seem similar, they represent distinct approaches to moral decision-making. In this essay, we will explore the difference between utilitarianism and consequentialism, highlighting their unique perspectives and implications. By the end, you will not only have a clearer understanding of these theories, but also an appreciation of their nuanced contributions to ethical reasoning. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayUtilitarianismBasically, utilitarianism asserts that the moral value of an action should be determined by its consequences and its ability to maximize general happiness or well-being. be. This perspective, often associated with philosopher Jeremy Bentham, emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of individuals. In other words, utilitarianism prioritizes the overall well-being of society over individual interests. A utilitarian would argue that an action is morally right if it produces the greatest net happiness for the parties involved. Consequentialism Consequentialism, on the other hand, is a broader ethical theory that encompasses utilitarianism and extends beyond. Consequentialism holds that the morality of an action must be based solely on the consequences it produces. Unlike utilitarianism, consequentialism does not explicitly prioritize happiness or well-being as its ultimate goal. Instead, it focuses on the overall positive or negative impact of an action. Consequentialism allows for a wider range of moral considerations and is not limited to maximizing happiness. Illustrating the Difference To illustrate the difference between utilitarianism and consequentialism, consider a hypothetical situation. Imagine you are a doctor faced with a difficult decision: You have a limited supply of a life-saving medication that can only treat one patient. In utilitarianism, you would choose the patient whose treatment would result in the greatest overall happiness or well-being. You will assess factors such as age, health status and potential years of life saved. The goal is to maximize society's net happiness by selecting the patient with the best outcome. Consequentialism, on the other hand, provides a broader decision framework in this scenario. While considering consequences, a consequentialist would not limit himself to maximizing happiness alone. They could also take into account principles such as fairness, justice and individual rights. For example, a consequentialist might prioritize saving the life of a young child over that of an elderly patient, even if this does not result in the greatest overall happiness. In this case, the emphasis shifts from maximizing happiness to taking into account a broader range of moral considerations.Consequentialist EthicsIt is important to note that both utilitarianism and consequentialism fall under consequentialist ethics. The main distinction lies in the scope of the considerations they take into account. Utilitarianism is a specific form of consequentialism that focuses on maximizing overall happiness, while consequentialism is a more general ethical theory that considers a broader range of consequences. Concrete Example To further illustrate these concepts, let's consider a concrete example..