Is utilitarianism too demanding? Utilitarianism in its most basic form directs moral agents to maximise the aggregate welfare and to do what produces the greatest benefit for all moral agents. The utilitarian theory is susceptible to various objections; this essay will focus on the issue of unrealistic demands. I will argue that utilitarianism is too demanding as it implies that we must always act in order to maximize happiness. This is a strict requirement, as it demands too much from individuals to always be motivated to promote the general happiness.
“Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices”(4). Paine believed that, in society, government was necessary in order to keep the vices of the governed in check. Paine argued, “Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one”(5). Thus, Paine reasoned that because government could be unbearably evil that it must be limited. Paine’s view of the ideal form of government was premised upon “a principal in nature…that the more simple any thing is, the less liable it is to be disordered”(7).
With that idea implanted into the audience’s mind, Thoreau proceeds to exercise diction while fully getting his point across. “..But at once a better government” demonstrates not just a show of authority but an immediate request for the government to be improved. Additionally, Thoreau uses many (maybe excessive) rhetorical questions beginning with “Why”, when highlighting folly methods used by the government and when exposing the unfairness of the U.S. government’s laws. Notably, Thoreau utilizes the rhetorical strategy mixed metaphors to instruct the people how to disobey the government in the sentence “Let your life be a counter friction to stop the machine.” A very significant aspect that needs to be taken into account while examining Thoreau’s essay is the time in which he created it- 1849. The Mexican War is taking place which Thoreau utilizes to demonstrate how the government “abuses” their powers.
Paine says “And however our eyes may be dazzled with show, or our ears deceived by sound, however prejudice may warp our wills, or interest darken our understanding, the simple voice of nature and reason will say, ‘tis right” (Paine). Though the language is made to play on the reader’s emotions, it illustrates the negative aspects of continued alliance with England. Paine uses his idealism to convince people that things need to change and even though England has a long and illustrious history we mustn’t look back towards them for answers but instead towards the
Gaining new information about people or other groups b. Diffusing more serious conflict c. Increasing cohesiveness Conflict as Destructive: Assumptions: a. conflict is a destructive disturbance of the peace, the social system should be adjusted to the needs of members; rather, members should adapt to established values When conflict does arise, the strong spiritual value of pacifism dictates a nonresistant response-often avoidance. Ting-Toomey (1991): suggests that these orientations are based on different cultural values for identity and face saving. Low conflict cultures 1. Interpersonal practices that build security and trust 2. Strong linkage between individual and community interests 3.
Orwell provides the reader by offering solutions for example when Winston states “Where there is equality there is sanity. Sooner or later it would happen that strength would change into consciousness” (pg. 229). Orwell effectively targets emotional appeal by having Winston compromise his life just to stand for his opinion as well as a logical appeal by having Winston make a logical point that individuals make their own decisions with strengthen them. The other also effectively criticizes how ludicrous extreme ideas and forces of society are by providing a positive change about the way society should function.
Although they have different ways to convince the audiences and to cover their points, they both focus on the role of the individual’s conscience in reaction to the unjust society. They both encourage people to assume their moral responsibility in order to go against the majority To begin with, they both claims about the role of conscience in making legal decision. Thoreau questions that will people be happy to just obey the law as long as it takes to change the law by the government’s rule or they want immediate action? If people follow the government’s rules, it will take a very long time to overturn the unjust law in court and it may not be successful. Thoreau implies that people should not begin to act unless they are ready to face the consequences of their action.
Humans’ personalities and way of life is greatly influenced by our moral convictions so to have discussion about how humans should live together without taking into consideration what shapes us, is not only a mistake, but it is impossible. Sandel is thus claiming that what current democracy is attempting to do is impossible and causes a paradox which creates unrest within the people. He suggests this is fixed by encouraging open deliberation as a part of the political process. What causes this deliberation to be open is that there is discussion about
The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.” We put our faith and trust into our leaders to do the right thing, to act fairly and sensibly in its relations with other nations, and we expect them to treat those citizens and ours alike with the same fairness and sensibility. Yet their lust for wealth and power has driven them to abuse our trust as a means to malevolent ends. Who knows how many other false flags have occurred underneath our noses or how many
Josiah Royce loyalty theory requires you to scrutinize the actions and aims of our communities and others and to work to reform the disloyal aspects. The philosophy of loyalty calls upon us to embrace and create more cosmopolitan and inclusive communities. However any human community no matter how devoted they may be to loyalty, is not going to be perfect and may even fall