ethics
...rk. My actions are based on these two different ethical concepts. Utilitarianism determines if acts are right by its intrinsic value. In other words, we act upon what is useful to bring about a desirable or good end. The basic principle of utilitarian ethics is that “the right depends on the good,” meaning, we should act based on consequences. How morally right an act is depends on maximizing the overall goodness of the outcome. In my situation, if I do not act, the outcome of the situation would be that I would become richer. Contrarily, if I act, I would not get this easy money, but the students would not have been cheated. Based on utilitarianism, because good was maximized by helping the students, I could call my actions “right” or “just”. This theory makes sense because it takes in account that life’s goal is to maximize good and pleasure. Therefore, by doing this act of justice, I have minimized pain and maximized pleasure. The second set of concepts that favors my actions is Kantian ethics. Kant believed that “nothing is good in itself except a good will.” Basically, we should be motivated to act based on good will. Based on Kantian ethics, I should act based on my moral duty, in which my integrity and courage plays a major role. I should act based on the correct reasons, such as wanting to do what is right and helping the students. This differs from utilitarianism because utilitarianism does not take in account of the actions taken to reach the good consequence. In some cases, immoral actions have good consequences. However, in my situation, my duty leads to a desirable consequence. Utilitarianism and Kantian ethics have fundamental differences. Knowing that my actions were correct, we can look at Mr. Johnson’s actions. Taking others’ work and selling it was wrong based on both utilitarianism and Kantian ethics. His actions were wrongly motivated and did not have a desirable outcome. Ho...