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Definitions Utilitarianism is basically what you think would do greater good for everyone, self-included, even if it be non- moral (Thorium & Ackermann, 2012). Unlike Cant’s Theory the act is morally correct if it brings about the greatest amount of good, whether the act itself is good or bad is not a factor. Lets use 9/1 1 as an example. Flight 93 was hijacked on 9/11/2001 and was reportedly headed for our nation’s capital before passengers took it down. Their reason being they wanted to save the President of the United States.
Technically this as done for the greater good and it was done to make their death meaningful since there fate was only death (stats 1 . Org). Cant’s Theory is based more on what should be done based on duty, rule and what is right. It is about acting without influence of gain or self-interest. Anything done for gain or benefit in Cant’s theory is immoral. For example, there are Physicians who urge their patients, out of genuine concern, to deal with their health issues and then there are Physicians who urge their patients to deal with their health issue because it is their duty.
Comparing Utilitarianism and Cant’s Theory When it comes to these topics can’t help but put what I feel into what I think. This may not be what one considers to be ethical, but in my opinion emotion does play a part in what we believe to be ethical. Don’t completely agree with Cant’s theory only for the simple reason that, depending on the circumstance, you can’t always do what is right or what is law. If so then where would slavery be right now and every other movement that happened in our history? These movements happened because someone had a preference of opinion on what was believed to be correct.