19th-century ethics

Definition

19th-century ethics refers to the moral theories and philosophical ideas that emerged during the 1800s, significantly influencing modern ethical thought. This era is marked by the development of utilitarianism, particularly through thinkers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who emphasized the importance of outcomes and the greatest happiness principle in moral decision-making. Additionally, this period witnessed debates surrounding individual rights, social justice, and the responsibilities of individuals within society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jeremy Bentham, one of the key figures in 19th-century ethics, introduced the concept of 'hedonistic calculus' to measure pleasure and pain associated with actions.
2. John Stuart Mill refined utilitarianism by advocating for qualitative differences in pleasures, emphasizing higher intellectual and moral pleasures over mere physical ones.
3. The 19th century also saw a rise in discussions about individual rights, influenced by liberalism and movements for social reform and emancipation.
4. This period laid the groundwork for modern ethical discussions by highlighting the balance between individual freedoms and collective well-being.
5. Ethical debates from this century continue to influence contemporary discussions on topics like healthcare, environmental ethics, and global justice.

Review Questions

• How did 19th-century ethics, particularly utilitarianism, shape our understanding of moral decision-making?
  • 19th-century ethics introduced utilitarianism as a pivotal framework for moral decision-making by proposing that actions should be evaluated based on their consequences. Thinkers like Bentham and Mill emphasized maximizing happiness as the core principle guiding ethical behavior. This shift from rigid moral rules to outcome-based reasoning allowed for a more flexible approach to ethics, impacting various fields including politics, law, and social justice.
• Compare and contrast utilitarianism with deontological ethics as presented in 19th-century ethical thought.
  • Utilitarianism focuses on the outcomes of actions, asserting that the best choices are those that produce the greatest good for the greatest number. In contrast, deontological ethics emphasizes adherence to moral duties and rules regardless of consequences. While utilitarianism prioritizes overall well-being, deontology maintains that certain actions are inherently right or wrong. The tension between these two approaches has shaped ongoing debates in moral philosophy.
• Evaluate how the ethical theories from the 19th century continue to influence current discussions about social justice and individual rights.
  • The ethical theories developed in the 19th century, particularly utilitarianism and discussions around individual rights, set a foundation for modern social justice movements. These ideas encourage an examination of policies through the lens of collective well-being versus individual freedoms. As societies grapple with issues like healthcare access and environmental responsibility, principles rooted in 19th-century ethics remain central to arguments advocating for equitable solutions that address both community welfare and personal rights.

Related terms

Utilitarianism: An ethical theory that suggests the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility.

Deontology: An ethical approach that emphasizes duty and rules, suggesting that certain actions are morally obligatory regardless of their consequences.

Moral Philosophy: The branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior.