Utilitarianism - Assignment Example

Does the end justify the means? The morality of our decision making and actions is determined by the perception on morality in the majority of people. The creation of morality does not respect personal opinion (West Par5). However, people may disregard the perception of people and take actions as they feel may please them. Does the end justify the actions and means of a person? This argument may vary from one event to another. For instance, in a rape case where a teenage girl gets pregnant, the majority of people may be of the assumption that an abortion should be an option.

On the other hand, a practitioner may argue that pregnancy may be fatal to the girl if it is not terminated. For this reason, an abortion is done. The decision may be against the morality of the society but it may be good to the girl. West is of the assumption that the end may justify the means if the perception of the majority is considerate of the truth (Par 8). If the same case may be involving a grown woman, an abortion may not justify the end. This is based on that the decision is made under no circumstances that may justify the actions.

In another example, a hospital may ignore calls to carry out euthanasia on a patient. From the public perspective, the hospital should end the life to stop a person from suffering. The hospital is however, hopeful that a cure may be created to cure the illness. If the person is cured, the conduct of the hospital may not be questioned. From this argument, one may be of the assumption that the pleasure and wants of the majority may determine the morality of ones actions. However, if other factors such as truth are disregarded an action may be justified regardless of the morality and the perception of the majority.

Work CitedWest, Henry. Utilitarianism. n.d. Web. 28 Aug. 2014.