• Philosophy -> Ethics and Morality

• 0 Comment

How does the Golden rule compare with other ethical principles such as Utilitarianism or Kantianism?

Emilee Mangenot

Well, I believe that the Golden Rule, which states “treat others as you would like to be treated,” is a fundamental ethical principle that has been around for centuries and has influenced many other ethical systems, like Utilitarianism and Kantianism.

When compared to Utilitarianism, which focuses on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering for the greatest number of people, the Golden Rule is quite different. While Utilitarianism is more concerned with the outcome or results of actions, the Golden Rule is focused on the intention of the action and our responsibility as individuals to treat others with respect and dignity. In other words, the Golden Rule asks us to consider the impact of our actions on others, whereas Utilitarianism asks us to consider what will bring the most happiness to the most people.

Kantianism, on the other hand, is more similar to the Golden Rule in that it emphasizes treating others as ends in themselves, rather than as means to an end. Both Kantianism and the Golden Rule place a high value on respecting the inherent worth of other individuals and believe that treating others with respect and dignity is a moral duty. However, Kantianism is more concerned with following universal moral laws and principles, whereas the Golden Rule is more focused on empathy and identifying with others’ perspectives.

Overall, I think the Golden Rule is a simple and powerful ethical principle that can guide our actions and help us to live in harmony with others. While it may not be a perfect system, it can provide a basic framework for treating others with kindness and compassion, which is especially important in a world that can sometimes feel divided and fractured. Whether we are interacting with strangers online or communicating with loved ones in our personal lives, the Golden Rule can help us to build stronger relationships and create a more positive and inclusive community.