Assess Utilitarian Considerations

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Utilitarianism is the ethical theory for all times, when faced with a moral dilemma, utilitarianism identifies the appropriate considerations, but offers no realistic way to gather the necessary information to make the required calculations. Utilitarianism is an effort to provide an answer to the practical question what ought a man to do? It is guidance for government and personal action is based upon the maximization of the good; by government for those within the society, and by individuals. Utilitarian considerations play an important role in emotion regulation. Although the application of utilitarian principles may strengthen majority rule, unfettered democracy can lead to tyranny. Utilitarians are frequently criticized foe sacrificing the interests of minorities to achieve majoritarian satisfaction Emotions can promote successful goal pursuits, for instance, emotion can direct attention toward potentially threatening or rewarding information Oatley and Johnson-Laird, 1987, Emotions such as excitement can promote the successful pursuit of rewards, and emotions such as worry and fear can promote the successful avoidance of threats. Increasing excitement in anticipation of reward is consistent with both hedonic and utilitarian consideration, because excitement is both pleasant and useful. However, increasing worry in anticipation of threat is consistent with utilitarian considerations but inconsistent with hedonic ones because worry is useful but certainly not pleasant to experience. In deciding whether or not to torture a terrorist who has planted a bomb in New York City, a utilitarian must evaluate both the overall welfare of the people involves or effected by the action taken, and the consequences of the action taken. To calculate the welfare of the people involved in or affected by an action, utilitarianism requires that all individuals be considered equally.
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