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Guiding Moral Principles: The Concept of Utility
The principle of utility, according to Christensen:
[..] demands that we act so as to maximize benefit and minimize harm for everyone affected to any significant degree. That is, an action or policy is morally justified if it appears to lead to more good consequences and fewer bad consequences for all parties whose interests are at stake, compared to the alternative choices; it is unjustified, on the other hand, if it appears it will lead to less good and more bad/evil for all concerned, compared to alternatives (Christensen 31).
You can witness the guiding principle of utility occur in ideal circumstances, but it would not be an inaccurate assumption to state that humans naturally look out for themselves more than others.
Yes, many humans have a moral compass to a degree, which ties into guiding principle number three, “inherent moral law” (Christensen 29), but if there is an action one can take that will further their own benefit and interests, they will likely seize it.
There are, of course, people who will not take action if the action brings harm to others, but the utilitarian path is not always the choice human nature follows.
Christensen’s text further explores the nature of how humans are likely to account for their consequences and actions and how they might affect others, but this node of thinking is illogical.
People are naturally shortsighted, let alone overly conscientious of the well-being of others – especially when the stakes are high. A perfect example of this is the film, “Squid Games.”
When the stakes are high enough, people are likely to abandon morality and pursue their most selfish and animalistic desires. The entire concept of “utility” is further intriguing because if you apply this guiding principle to people with absolute power, you will likely never see this principle at play, but it’s a nice utopian idea.
Works Cited
Christensen, Kit R. Nonviolence, Peace, and Justice. 9th ed., Broadview Press, 2010, pp 29–31.
Squid Games, Directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, Siren Pictures Inc., 2021
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