Existentialism vs Utilitarianism vs Deontology vs Civil Disobedience

Kant, Sartre, Utilitarianism and Martin Luther King Jr

1. What is Utilitarianism, and how does it suggest that one determine the morality of action?

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory, which says that the best action is the one that produces the greatest common good. In other words, the morality of an action is determined by its consequences. According to this view, one should evaluate potential actions by considering their impact on the well-being of all affected individuals and choose the action that produces the greatest net benefit. Utilitarianism emphasizes a pragmatic approach to ethics, focusing on the outcomes rather than the intentions behind actions.

2. What is the Categorical Imperative, according to Kant? How does it determine the morality of an action?

Kant's Categorical Imperative is a founding principle in his moral philosophy, which asserts that one should act only according to maxims that can be universally applied. This means an action is morally right if its guiding principle can be consistently willed as a universal law without contradiction. The Categorical Imperative determines morality by requiring individuals to evaluate whether their actions respect the inherent dignity and autonomy of all rational beings, treating others not as means to an end, but as ends in themselves.

3. Discuss Sartre’s existentialism. What does he mean when he talks about anguish, abandonment, and despair? Why does he contend that existentialism is optimistic?

Sartre’s existentialism emphasizes individual freedom, responsibility, and the absence of predetermined essence. Anguish refers to the responsibility that comes with this freedom. Abandonment refers to the realization that there is no divine guidance, and that humans determine their own morality. Despair arises from recognizing the limitations of control over external circumstances. Despite these concepts, Sartre views existentialism as optimistic because it allows people to create their own meaning and values through their choices.

4. How does Martin Luther King Jr. define what makes a law unjust? Discuss an example of something that may fit the bill of being an unjust law, and why. Do you think King is right in contending that we have a moral obligation to disobey unjust laws?

Martin Luther King Jr. defines an unjust law as one that degrades human personality, is inflicted upon a minority without their input, or is out of harmony with moral law. An example of an unjust law could be the segregation laws in the United States, which enforced racial discrimination and denied African Americans equal rights. King argues that individuals have a moral duty to disobey unjust laws because compliance with such laws perpetuates injustice and violates moral principles. I agree with King, as civil disobedience against unjust laws can be a powerful way to push for social change and uphold human dignity.