Difference Between Utilitarianism and Deontology

Difference Between Utilitarianism and Deontology: Utilitarianism and Deontology, have long captivated the minds of scholars and thinkers alike. These philosophies serve as compasses that guide individuals through the complex landscape of moral decision-making. While both aim to provide a framework for determining what is right and wrong, they take vastly different paths to arrive at their ethical conclusions. Understanding the distinction between Utilitarianism and Deontology is essential not only for academic philosophers but also for anyone grappling with ethical dilemmas in the real world.

In this article, you will read about what is utilitarianism, what is deontology, the difference between utilitarianism and deontology, and the similarities between utilitarianism and deontology.

What is Utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism means the concept of the ‘end justifies the means. According to utilitarianism, utility is the result of an action. The term utilitarianism was first used by the philosophers John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham. The utilitarianism principles are followed by Healthcare to a great extent. Utilitarianism doesn’t give special importance to codes of conduct. The utilitarian school of morality gives more importance to the outcome of an action. There is also a belief that philosopher thinks of ideas that are more selfish in the utilitarianism school of thought.

What is Deontology?

Deontology means the concept of ‘the end does not justify the means. It doesn’t follow the concept of ‘end justifies the means. It is exactly the opposite of utilitarianism in terms of concept. The meaning of the word ‘deontology’ means ‘the study of duty’. It is derived from the Greek words. Deontology believes in the importance of both action and consequence. It says that action is not moral. Every action should be characterized by morality is one of the finest principles that is included in school on the thought of deontology. They also take the universally accepted codes of conduct.

What is the difference between Utilitarianism and Deontology?

According to, Utilitarianism means the concept of the ‘end justifies the means’. In utilitarianism, utility is the result of an action. The term utilitarianism was first used by the philosophers John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham whereas Deontology means the concept of ‘the end does not justify the means’. It doesn’t follow the concept of ‘end justifies the means. It is exactly opposite to utilitarianism in terms of concept.” 

Tabular Difference Between Utilitarianism and Deontology

Utilitarianism	Deontology
Definition
Utilitarianism means the concept of ‘the end justifies the means According to utilitarianism, utility is the result of an action.	Deontology means the concept of ‘the end does not justify the means. The meaning of word ‘deontology’ means ‘the study of duty’.
Nature
Utilitarianism is consequence oriented in nature.	Deontology is not consequence oriented in nature
Codes of Conduct
Utilitarianism doesn’t take universally accepted codes of conduct.	Deontology takes the universally accepted codes of conduct.
Theories
Utilitarianism does the right thing and focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number of people.	Deontology focuses on the duties and right of individuals.

Similarities Between Utilitarianism and Deontology

Here are the similarities between Utilitarianism and Deontology:

• Utilitarianism and deontology both are concerned with making out what human actions are right and what human actions are wrong.
• They both are practical ethics in decision-making.

Conclusion – Utilitarianism vs Deontology

Therefore both Utilitarianism and Deontology are different from each other. Utilitarianism means the concept of the ‘end justifies the means. According to utilitarianism, utility is the result of an action. The term utilitarianism was first used by the philosophers John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham whereas Deontology means the concept of ‘the end does not justify the means’. It doesn’t follow the concept of ‘end justifies the means. It is exactly the opposite of utilitarianism in terms of concept.

FAQs on Difference Between Utilitarianism and Deontology

1. Define Deontology.

Deontology is defined as the concept of ‘the end does not justify the means. The meaning of word ‘deontology’ means ‘the study of duty’. It is derived from the Greek words. Deontology believes in the importance of both action and consequence.

2. Define Utilitarianism.

Utilitarianism is defined as the concept of the ‘end justifies the means. The term utilitarianism was first used by the philosopher’s John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham. Utilitarianism school of morality gives more importance to the outcome of an action. 

3. State the main similarities between Utilitarianism and Deontology.

Utilitarianism and deontology both are concerned with making out what human actions are right and what human actions are wrong. They both are practical ethics in decision-making.

4. State the theories between Utilitarianism and Deontology.

The theories between both state that Utilitarianism does the right thing and focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number of people whereas Deontology focuses on the duties and rights of individuals.

5. What is the main difference between Utilitarianism and Deontology?

Utilitarianism assesses actions by their consequences, striving to maximize overall happiness, while Deontology judges actions based on adherence to moral principles and duties, regardless of outcomes.