Comparing both Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill's philosophical Essay

Comparing both Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill's philosophical positions - Essay Example He believed that happiness is derived from the good will in performing an action regardless of the consequences. Consequently, the results of an action, whether good or bad, should be deemed irrelevant so long as the basis of good action was based on good will. Furthermore, he believed that people actions were morally good when based on an obligation to duty. According to Kant, if a maxim was in compliance to universal law then it was morally good and could be subjected to rational human beings (Maj, 2002). Kant further specified the practical imperative which dictated on human dignity. The basic logic of human dignity is based on treating human beings always as an end in themselves as opposed to a means to an end. However, one major assumption of Kant’s theory is ignorance of the consequences of actions based on good will. Actions based on good will are viewed as morally right irrespective of the consequences whether good or bad. John Stuart Mill proposed a different code of ethics, drawn from teleological theory, known as utilitarianism or the principle of utility (Maj, 2002). His theory justified actions as morally good if it led to happiness. However, if the result of the action was unhappiness, then it should be deemed as immoral. Moreover, decisions and actions are judged on morality based on the consequences and not the performing of the act itself. Furthermore, he theorized that if an action results to greater happiness to a greater number of people then it was morally right. Thus in pursuit of happiness through hedonism (ethical and psychological hedonism), people should perform actions that result to pleasure and prevent pain. John Stuart Mill’s utilitarianism also justifies sacrifice if it contributes to the pleasure of people or minimizes pain. For example, sacrifice in form of discretion, that result in happiness to the greatest number of people. Moreover, Mill’s theory supports alt ruism as opposed to egoism.