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Utilitarianism vs Categorical Imperative

Posted by McDonna (formerly Donna) on 9/15/2005, 23:29:48, in reply to "well.."
classic ethical dilemma -- can you injure one to save a million?

Mills' Utilitarianism: yes, should maximize the greatest good for the greatest number

Kant's Categorical Imperative: no, must never treat someone merely as a means to an end

so Kant would say that if it's not okay to torture someone to get information that would save one life, then it's not okay to do it to save a million

ethics are fascinating but not easy


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