Methods of Ethics
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Henry Sidgwick's Methods of Ethics is a significant 19th-century work that explores ethical theory, primarily through the lens of Utilitarianism. Sidgwick defined a "method" as a rational process for making ethical decisions. He identified three main approaches: egoism, Utilitarianism, and intuitionism.1
- Egoism: Focuses on the happiness produced for the individual performing the act.
- Utilitarianism: Aims to increase the happiness of all affected by the act.
- Intuitionism: Suggests that ends other than happiness, and guidelines other than those promoting happiness, can be valid means to an end.1
Sidgwick argued that neither egoism nor intuitionism alone provided a sufficient basis for rational conduct. He proposed "universalistic hedonism" to reconcile the conflict between personal pleasure and the pleasure of others, drawing parallels to Kant's categorical imperative.12
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ethicsSidgwickSidgwick’s Methods of Ethics (1874) is the most detailed and subtle work of utilitarian ethics yet produced. Especially noteworthy is his discussion of the various principles of what he calls common sense morality—i.e., the morality accepted, without systematic thought, by most people. Price, Reid, and some…
Read MoreSidgwick’s Methods of Ethics (1874) is the most detailed and subtle work of utilitarian ethics yet produced. Especially noteworthy is his discussion of the various principles of what he calls common sense morality—i.e., the morality accepted, without systematic thought, by most people. Price, Reid, and some…
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utilitarianismUtilitarianism since the late 19th centuryHis Methods of Ethics (1874), a comparative examination of egoism, the ethics of common sense, and utilitarianism, contains the most careful discussion to be found of the implications of utilitarianism as a principle of individual moral action.
Read MoreHis Methods of Ethics (1874), a comparative examination of egoism, the ethics of common sense, and utilitarianism, contains the most careful discussion to be found of the implications of utilitarianism as a principle of individual moral action.
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