Essay Undergraduate 589 words

Utilitarianism and Gasoline Taxes: Evaluating the Ethics

~3 min read

Abstract

This paper applies utilitarian ethical theory to the policy question of raising gasoline taxes as a means of reducing overuse and dependence on foreign oil. The analysis argues that increased gasoline taxes are unlikely to satisfy the utilitarian standard of producing the greatest good for the greatest number of people, because the burden falls disproportionately on low-income individuals and families with limited disposable income. The paper extends this reasoning to the treatment of developing nations, arguing that restricting their access to existing fuel technologies similarly limits their capacity to grow and innovate. The utilitarian alternative proposed is to grant industry greater freedom in researching new and cleaner fuels.

📝 How to Write This Type of Paper Writing guide — click to expand

▼

What makes this paper effective

Clearly frames the central ethical question — whether a specific policy aligns with utilitarian theory — and answers it directly rather than hedging.
Extends the utilitarian analysis beyond domestic policy to a global context (developing nations), demonstrating breadth of application.
Uses concrete, relatable examples (low-income families choosing between gas and food) to ground abstract ethical reasoning in real-world consequences.

Key academic technique demonstrated

The paper demonstrates applied ethical analysis: taking a recognized philosophical framework (utilitarianism) and systematically testing a real-world policy option against that framework's core standard — the greatest good for the greatest number. This technique requires the writer to identify who benefits and who is harmed by a policy, then weigh those outcomes against the framework's criteria.

Structure breakdown

The paper opens by scoping the inquiry to one policy option — raising gasoline taxes — and justifying that scope within utilitarian methodology. It then argues against that option by tracing its likely effects on the most economically vulnerable. The argument broadens to include developing nations as a parallel case. The paper closes by proposing the utilitarian alternative: expanded industry research into new and cleaner fuels.

Introduction: Utilitarianism and the Foreign Oil Problem

Applying the utilitarian approach to the problem of overuse and dependence on foreign oil means that the first course of action is to study the various options available. Those options include limiting vehicle use by increasing the gasoline taxes used to fuel those vehicles. A variety of other options exist for consideration as well; however, since this paper's primary concern is to address the gasoline tax option, the others are set aside for now. For the sake of argument, this paper will discuss just the one option, even though under true utilitarian theory all available options would be considered.

Does Raising Gasoline Taxes Satisfy Utilitarian Theory?

The central question to be considered is whether increased gasoline taxes are consistent with utilitarian theory. The answer is: probably not. The reason is that raising gasoline taxes does not equate to the best possible choice benefiting the greatest number of people — the defining standard of utilitarian ethics.

Impact on Low-Income Households

Quite the contrary would likely occur if such an option were chosen for implementation. The first immediate effect of raising gasoline taxes would fall on that portion of the mobile public least able to afford higher costs: individuals and families with the smallest amount of disposable income. The price hike would limit their options considerably. In all probability, they would have to spend more on gas in order to continue generating what little income they have. Their difficult choices could include spending the extra money on fuel while foregoing essentials such as food and housing.

3 Locked Sections · 270 words remaining

Mobility, Social Inequality, and Transportation Alternatives · 110 words

"Why alternatives fail in a mobile society"

Developing Nations and Technology Access · 115 words

"Restricting technology limits developing nations similarly"

The Utilitarian Case for Industry-Led Research · 45 words

"Expanding research as the utilitarian alternative"

You’re 41% through this paper. Sign up to read the remaining 3 sections.

130,000+ paper examples AI writing assistant Citation generator Cancel anytime

Key Concepts in This Paper

Utilitarian Ethics Gasoline Tax Greatest Good Low-Income Impact Foreign Oil Developing Nations Fuel Technology Social Mobility Energy Research Policy Analysis