It is also referred to as the theory of utility and encourages us to behave in a way in which is useful to society. Unlike natural law which is an absolutist and deontological theory, based on religious principals, utilitarianism is a teleological, secular theory which judges morality on the consequences. Aristotle believed that good conduct promoted happiness in society and Epicurius developed Aristotle's idea by claiming that a good life consisted of the maximum amount of pleasure and the least amount of pain. Another important figure in the utilitarian development is Jeremy Bentham, he is considered to be the founder of utilitarianism and his ethical theory is said to have had a significant influence on a number of philosophers including Peter Singer. Bentham believes that humans are motivated by a desire to experience as much pleasure as possible and avoid experiences of pain.
He even begins the Iliad’s introduction with “the rage of Achilles” (Homer xvii). This shows how significant Achilles is to the poem and history. Homer’s use of the word “rage” is said to only be used when talking about the gods, thus exposing the importance of Achilles (Homer xvii). The poem places Achilles within the “top of its hierarchical structure” because he seen as a hero and superior man (Homer xxi). Achilles follows tradition through the heroic code and through the fight with Hector.
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), an English philosopher and the most prominent name in relation of the founding of utilitarianism, described utilitarianism as “the greatest happiness for the greatest felicity of people”. Bentham believed that morality did not depend on faithfulness to abstract views derived from the teachings of Jesus. He however looked upon morality as an effort to produce as much happiness as possible in the world. Moreover utilitarianism is the ethical theory embracing that the morally right course of action is the action which results in the most happiness and maximizes the overall good in the world. This indicates that utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism as what is viewed to a morally correct action is based upon the actions outcome.
The difference between an uncritical egoistic hedonist and Epicurus is what outcome is being sought after. Uncritical hedonists base their selections on whatever will give them the most pleasure at that moment. Epicurus, and other rational/critical egoistic hedonists base their choices on what will lead to the most pleasure (or least amount of pain) in the future. According to his philosophy, the only way to attain long-term pleasure is to practice the virtues of simplicity and prudence in every aspect of life. Epicurus believed one must understand the desires that motivate him to attain peace of mind.
Claiming The Hero, Strife For Greatness – The First Modern Hero of Western Literature? (Hektor versus Achilles) In the beginning of the poem Iliad, Homer talks about the “wrath of Achilles”. With this Homer sets up a hero for the poem, they praise the mighty warrior Achilles and the wrath he provoked within himself being who he was, being discord, this sets up a heroic honor. The hero’s role in the Homeric poem is important. The hero should have great deal of confidence and not to be insulted in any way do to the heroes pride which was the glory and within glory there was immortality.
To this Euthyphro agrees” (Plato, 2008). The first horn of dilemma suggests that if something is pious then God also supports it. It seems to be quite logical as this theory proves that God is there with them who deserve His affection. That makes the existence of God more
Karma yoga is the path of doing what is deemed to be true and right. It is the idea that the follower of this path sees himself as nothing more than a tool of the divine in order to give his actions as an offering in order to
Virtue ethics is agent-centred ethics rather than act-centred. Aristotle was an Ancient Greek philosopher and believed that everyone wants to live a full and happy life, this is known as eudaimonia. Eudaimonia is the idea of ideal happiness and it is the highest good, because we desire it for its own sake and not as a means to an end. In his book, Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle stated that we want to be good, and there is a difference to things that are good as means, and things that are good as ends. A good life is something inherently worth having, unlike justice which is worth having because it leads to a good life.
The fundamental desire for reputation and social validation of the heroes of the Illiad suggests a great significance placed on cult worship and everlasting fame. Poets help recreate these stories into legends in celebration of the heroes and their nobility in dying without fear. The Illiad’s recognition of the inevitability of death and its omnipresence in everything the heroes attempt to achieve is the core motivation for each of the heroic figures. Ultimately, the klea andrôn, or ‘the glories of these men’ live on through Homer’s epic tale, epitomising the rise and fall of the great heroes of Troy. Homer’s exploration of Achilles’ struggle for eternal glory establishes the main element of the Hero in ancient Greek culture as the immortalisation of his life in song or epic poetry.
Kant states that a decision is only morally justified when it is good in itself, regardless of its consequences and so a good will is necessary. Kant believes that a good will conforms to practical reasoning. This is due to the fact that if we all have the same