Utilitarian Ethics and Its Implication On Moral Education

• Main Authors: Ming-Chih Yen, 顏銘志
• Other Authors: Wen-San Huang
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/22789723224410384668

博士 === 高雄師範大學 === 教育學系 === 98 === Since Jeremy Bentham mentioned the modern western utilitarianism. It has been modified by John Stuart Mill, Henry Sidgwick. The theory had been more completed after the criticism and supplements from many modern moral philosophers. The goal of this research is to study the content and related problems of utilitarianism. This study will also give a general review of the moral education. It used philosophical research and found the following results. Utilitarian ethics 1. Utilitarianism can be improved with modern day applications. 2. Utilitarianism aims at happiness as highest goal of morality. 3. Utilitarians possess consequentialism which is open, practical and can be examined. 4. There is positive meaning in the agreement between individual interest and social utility. 5.The greatest happiness is in the standard of good or wrong behaviors. It may not necessarily be the motive of action. 6. It is normal to obey moral rules. It is expedient to use principle of utility. 7. The moral decision of utilitarianism is based on rational estimation, equality and maximum happiness. 8.The ultimate sanction of utilitarianism is that of the social feelings of mankind, is the desire to unify with our fellow-creatures. 9.Generalized benevolence as utilitarianism have argued that is cultivated by education and environment. 10. Utilitarianism offered alternative option for public policy. 11. Utilitarianism and deontology can complement each other. 12.The relationship between utilitarianism and other theories should be moderated. Utilitarian ethics on moral education 1.They pursued the greatest happiness for improving the effect of moral education. 2.The end result is used to justify the actions, which emphasis the importance of moral responsibility. 3.Use rational moral reasoning to perform good moral behaviors. 4.Unite utility and justice to motivate moral behaviors. 5.Environment and education are the foundation for virtue. 6.Institutional reforms should be aided by spiritual renewal in order to be successful. Finally, the researcher uses the analysis of each chapter and the results to present several suggestions on departments of education and teachers for reference.