IndexUtilitarianismConsequentialismIllustrate the DifferenceConsequentialist EthicsReal World ExampleConclusionWhen it comes to ethical theories, two important schools of thought often come to mind: utilitarianism and consequentialism. Although these terms may seem similar, they represent distinct approaches to moral decision making. In this essay, we will explore the difference between utilitarianism and consequentialism, shedding light on their unique perspectives and implications. By the end, you will not only have a clearer understanding of these theories, but you will also appreciate their nuanced contributions to ethical reasoning. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Utilitarianism Basically, utilitarianism states that the moral value of an action should be determined by its consequences and its ability to maximize overall happiness or well-being. being. This perspective, often associated with the philosopher Jeremy Bentham, emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of individuals. In other words, utilitarianism prioritizes the overall well-being of society over individual interests. A utilitarian would argue that an action is morally right if it produces the greatest net happiness for the parties involved. Consequentialism Consequentialism, on the other hand, is a broader ethical theory that includes utilitarianism and extends beyond it. Consequentialism holds that the morality of an action should be based solely on the consequences it produces. Unlike utilitarianism, consequentialism does not explicitly prioritize happiness or well-being as the ultimate goal. Instead, it focuses on the overall positive or negative impact of an action. Consequentialism allows for a broader range of moral considerations and is not limited to maximizing happiness. Illustrating the Difference To illustrate the difference between utilitarianism and consequentialism, consider a hypothetical situation. Imagine you are a doctor faced with a difficult decision: You have a limited supply of a life-saving drug that can only cure one patient. According to utilitarianism, you would choose the patient whose treatment would result in the greatest overall happiness or well-being. You'll weigh factors such as age, health conditions, and potential years of life saved. The goal is to maximize society's net happiness by selecting the patient with the best outcome. Consequentialism, on the other hand, provides a broader framework for decision making in this scenario. While considering consequences, a consequentialist would not limit himself to maximizing happiness alone. They could also take into account principles such as fairness, justice and individual rights. For example, a consequentialist might prioritize saving a child's life over that of an elderly patient, even if this does not result in the greatest overall happiness. In this case, the focus shifts from maximizing happiness to considering a broader range of moral considerations. Consequentialist Ethics It is important to note that both utilitarianism and consequentialism fall under the umbrella of consequentialist ethics. The key distinction lies in the scope of the considerations they take into account. Utilitarianism is a specific form of consequentialism that emphasizes maximizing overall happiness, while consequentialism is a more general ethical theory that considers a broader range of consequences. Real World Example To further illustrate these concepts, let's consider a real world example. Imagine a government faced with the decision whether to implement a new policy that would benefit the.