Final answer:
Utilitarianism, developed by Bentham and Mill, assesses the morality of actions based on their outcomes, aiming to maximize happiness. Kant's categorical imperative, a deontological approach, asserts that actions are moral if they adhere to a universal law that all rational beings could follow.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Utilitarianism and Kant's Categorical Imperative
Utilitarianism and Kant's categorical imperative are two significant ethical theories in the realm of philosophy. Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory introduced by Jeremy Bentham and further developed by John Stuart Mill. It proposes that the morality of an action is determined by its outcome, specifically the amount of happiness or utility produced. This theory suggests that the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness.
On the other hand, Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative is a deontological approach, focusing on duty rather than consequences. Kant argued that actions are moral if they follow a universal law that can be applied to everyone. According to Kant, you should "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law". This means that an action is moral if it can be made into a rule that all rational beings would follow.
While utilitarianism considers the outcomes of actions, Kant's categorical imperative considers the intentions and universalizability of actions. Both theories aim to establish a guideline for moral behavior, but they approach the concept of ethics from different perspectives.