By your definitions, it would seem that utilitarianism is simply a form of deontology - namely, acting according to the a priori principle that quantitative maximization of good for the individuals in a society will lead to the betterment of the society, and the principle of whatever that good is (in your example, that personal empowerment is good for both the individual and the society - a principle that many people would argue with.)
Note that I consider myself a utilitarian - but defining what is "good" for a person or a society depends, on some level, on moral judgements, even if it's as vague as that a longer life is better. (Better for whom? The person? The society? The planet? The universe? Does it take into account quality of life, and the drain of that life on its environment? Are these questions truly answerable?)
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timeasmymeasure
deontology and utilitarianism
Date: 2006-01-07 01:43 am (UTC)Note that I consider myself a utilitarian - but defining what is "good" for a person or a society depends, on some level, on moral judgements, even if it's as vague as that a longer life is better. (Better for whom? The person? The society? The planet? The universe? Does it take into account quality of life, and the drain of that life on its environment? Are these questions truly answerable?)