answersLogoWhite

0

One of the most controversial examples of utilitarianism was the dropping of the atomic bomb on Japan during WWII.

Many debate that this force of action was unnecessary, as many innocent civilians died. However, the Japanese were working towards developing a similar weapon that could have been used on the United States unless the US hadn't intervened. This also helped America to stop other countries from getting involved and ended the war between Japan. The death of innocent civilians might have been greater if the bombs hadn't been dropped.

So although America killed thousands of Japanese, it was in exchange for the greater good and for the greatest amount of people. It stopped the war between Japan and America, before other countries could get involved.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Movies & Television

What is the significance of utilitarianism?

problay good things


What is the relationship between utilitarianism and formalism?

Utilitarianism is defined as the end justifies the means, whereas Formalism could suggest that the methodological means & process is the best manner in reaching the end.


What countries used utilitarianism?

Britain, as it originated there, and developed by J.S Mill and Jeremy Bentham


What are the similarities between deontological and virtue ethics?

Utilitarianism: morality is the result of an act. Focus on the consequences. A moral act is what will bring the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. Virtue Ethics: Morality stems from the identity or character of the person, rather than being a reflection of the actions. THere are certain characteristics which are virtues. People possessing these virtues is what makes one moral, one's actions are a reflection of their inner morality.


What are some basic principles of utilitarianism?

Bentham founded a philosophy called utilitarianism: A political system that tries to benefit the greatest number of people. Bentham said that people are basically selfish at heart. Without rules to guide them, everyone will look out for themselves at the expense of others. At the same time, Bentham agreed that too many rules would unfairly limit individual freedom.So he came up with a simple test to decide if a law was necessary and fair: Did it provide the greatest good for the greatest number of people? In other words, if a law helped only a few people and hurt many others, it was unfair. Laws that applied to a lot of people but didn't really help anyone were just useless.

Related Questions

What is a example of utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism is a way of life, where one determines the right actions to make. The most common example of utilitarianism is the U.S dropping the atomic bombs on Japan after WWII.


Is utilitarianism objective or subjective?

The noun utilitarianism is used as a subject or an object; for example: Subject: Utilitarianism is included in this philosophy course. Object: Part of this philosophy course covers utilitarianism.


What would be an example of utilitarianism?

Rule utilitarianism is like when your girlfriend gives you a bj and you can not bust


What are the differences between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism, and can you provide examples of each in practice?

Act utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of individual actions to determine what is morally right, while rule utilitarianism emphasizes following rules that lead to the greatest overall happiness. An example of act utilitarianism would be a doctor deciding to save the life of a patient in critical condition, even if it means breaking hospital rules. On the other hand, an example of rule utilitarianism would be a society adopting a rule that prohibits stealing, as following this rule generally leads to greater overall happiness even if there are occasional exceptions where stealing might seem justified.


Critics of rule-utilitarianism say that?

It collapses into Act-Utilitarianism.


Two traditional approaches to utilitarianism are?

act and rule utilitarianism.


What are the Two traditional approaches to utilitarianism?

fundamental and secondary utilitarianism


What is the difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism?

The main difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism is that act utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of individual actions to determine what is morally right, while rule utilitarianism emphasizes following general rules that lead to the greatest overall happiness or utility for society.


What emphasizes practical usefulness of things not their outward beauty?

utilitarianism


What are some recommended books on utilitarianism?

Some recommended books on utilitarianism include "Utilitarianism" by John Stuart Mill, "The Methods of Ethics" by Henry Sidgwick, and "Utilitarianism: For and Against" by J.J.C. Smart and Bernard Williams.


In what ways are act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism similar?

Act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism are similar in that they both aim to maximize overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. However, they differ in their approach to achieving this goal, with act utilitarianism focusing on the consequences of individual actions and rule utilitarianism emphasizing following general rules that lead to the greatest good.


What did Utilitarianism promote?

Utilitarianism promoted policies for greatest goods for numbers of people.